The thrill of snagging a great deal during a Next sale is something many of us look forward to. But with sales becoming increasingly popular, getting those coveted items can feel like a competitive sport. So, when exactly can you expect the next big opportunity to save?
Next typically holds its major sales four times a year, aligning with the seasons, plus a significant event for Black Friday. While the July sale and the winter Boxing Day sale are often highlighted for their best deals, there are other opportunities throughout the year.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Sale Dates and VIP Access
While specific dates for 2025 are still being confirmed and will be updated as soon as they're announced, we can look at the general patterns and how to potentially get ahead.
- Autumn Sale: Keep an eye out around mid-September. VIP slots can often be accessed from around the 15th of September, with the VIP sale itself kicking off a couple of days later, typically around the 17th. The main in-store and online sale usually follows shortly after, often on a Saturday, so mark your calendars for around September 20th.
- Boxing Day Sale: This is a classic. The online sale often begins on Christmas Day itself, offering a chance to shop while many are still enjoying their festive break. The in-store sales then commence on December 26th.
- Spring Sale: For the Spring sale, expect invites to arrive in March, with VIP early access usually granted mid to late March. To be in with a chance of receiving an online sale invite, it's worth ensuring you have a Nextpay account and have opted into marketing emails well in advance.
How to Secure a VIP Sale Slot
Getting early access through a VIP slot means you can browse and buy before the general public. It's a sought-after perk, and here’s how you might qualify:
To be eligible for a VIP slot, you generally need a Next credit account and a good history with the company. This often involves having a certain amount of credit available (around £250) and having returned less than two-thirds of items ordered in the current season. You'll need to be signed up and meet these criteria about a week before the VIP selection period begins.
It's important to note that these VIP slots are often tied to having a Next credit account with a high APR (currently around 23.9%). If you don't pay off your balance in full, the interest can negate the sale savings, so it's a decision to weigh carefully.
If you meet the criteria, you should receive an email invite. However, sometimes you can log into your account and book a slot even without a formal invite, so it's always worth checking the website a few days before the sale is expected to start. Typically, this is around 3-4 days before the main online sale, often around 9 am. Don't wait for the email; log in and book your slot as they are limited and go quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. You can only book one slot per customer.
Remember, if you book a VIP slot but don't use it, it can impact your chances of receiving future invitations. So, only book if you're genuinely planning to shop.
Navigating the Sale Itself
During peak sale times, Next might implement restrictions, such as limiting the number of items in your basket. Features like 'Save Bag' and 'Save for Later' are often turned off to ensure a fairer shopping experience for everyone. Also, be prepared for longer delivery times; next-day delivery is usually unavailable during sales, with orders potentially taking up to 21 days to arrive.
While the online sale offers convenience, some still prefer the in-store experience, though be prepared for early starts and queues. Shopping online via the dedicated sale link (www.next.co.uk/eoss/) is key to accessing the sale prices, rather than logging in through the usual store portal.
Even if you miss out on a VIP slot, there are always ways to find bargains. Keep an eye on the clearance sections after the main sales events, as significant reductions often continue.
