BUILDING A LASTING PARTNERSHIP
INTRODUCTION
Next Plc is a fashion, beauty and homewares retail giant, operating around 500 stores in UK & Eire and 206 franchised stores in 33 countries. They operate a strong online platform but also successfully maintain a robust high street presence, with over 700 locations.
DisplayMode is a UK based design and manufacturer of Point of Sale and retail display solutions. This case study is aimed at showcasing a strong and long-lasting client-supplier relationship, created through clear communication, reliability, consistency and flexibility.
Next are not alone with the challenges they face in an ever-changing high street environment. The dynamic nature of consumer preference requires them to constantly adapt their visual merchandising strategies to remain appealing and relevant, whilst also keeping in line with budgets and meeting sustainability initiatives. In order to do this effectively enough to remain ahead of the competition, they must have a solid, reliable supply chain.
Our Approach: DisplayMode’s service is based around 3 key points – communication, reliability and quality. We pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate closely with our clients, developing bespoke POS and retail display solutions that align with brand identity, customer preferences and the dynamic nature of the retail world. Our team of dedicated account managers, designers and specialist production operatives are on hand to ensure a seamless and impactful customer journey for all clients.
THE STORY
The relationship between DisplayMode and Next Plc has evolved over the last 12 years. What started as an initial standard pegboard POS project, has now developed into a strong relationship, with Next approaching DisplayMode with a broad range of challenges and requests, in the comfort of knowing that the end result will be within budget, adhere to branding requirements and meet project deadlines, all whilst exceeding their quality standards.
What evidences this strong relationship is the cross-departmental supply chain. DisplayMode work with both fashion and homewares departments, servicing a range of project requirements with varied solutions, and in different materials and finishes.
With DisplayMode’s in-house design and prototyping team, we have the capability to work with Next on new product development, as well as replicating or re-running existing retail display and POS items. This allows Next to adapt and improve current products, as well as realise their new ideas and concepts in line with the latest consumer shopping trends. Prototyping allows them to test products out in their mock-shop and make any final adjustments, before proceeding with a full roll-out order.
We work closely together every step of the way, ensuring that all needs are met and challenges are communicated and overcome. DisplayMode provide Next with a cradle-to-grave service, all the way through to deliveries and installations, ensuring clear communication throughout even the most complex of projects.
RESULTS AND OUTCOMES
Team members from multiple departments within Next approach DisplayMode with challenges and requests, and our dedicated account managers work closely with them to come up with the best possible solution, within the required time frame and to a high-quality standard on every project.
In 2023 alone, DisplayMode have supplied Next with over 20 different products, with many of them making their way through concept creation and prototyping, ending with full company-wide roll-outs. We have successfully established and developed this strong supplier-client relationship for over 10 years and look forward to our future growth together.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Visual and Creative Merchandiser, Retail Marketing – Home:
‘I have worked with Display Mode for a few years now and they have been nothing but helpful and efficient. I know we can always count on them for solutions and a fast turn-around for any products we need. They are always happy to help and go above and beyond to ensure we are happy with the outcome. I couldn’t recommend Display Mode enough.’
Senior Assistant VM Manager – Womenswear:
‘We use the Reflex graphics holders across our 400 women’s stores and love the variety of sizes and formats. The quality is amazing.. they are so durable!’
