The Independent

Next summer sale 2021: As VIP early access slots open, here’s everything you need to know

Source: iStock/The Independent

The weather might not quite have caught up, but in the land of retail the summer sales are in full swing and arguably the most anticipated shopping bonanza of them all is right around the corner.

We are, of course, talking about Next’s annual summer sale. Whether you need to revamp your wardrobe for the warm season, stock up on essentials for your kids or want to revamp your home with some stylish new furniture, the event is the perfect chance to snap up a bargain.

The high street stalwart holds four seasonal sales each year, during which it offers up to 70 per cent off a range of categories, including womenswear, menswear, children’s, baby, home and furniture.

A hit with bargain hunters, Next’s sales are known for attracting swarms of shoppers to bricks-and-mortar stores, with thousands of people lining up ahead of shops opening at 5am.

But for those who prefer to buy from the comfort of their own homes, there are also plenty of savings to be had online.

Read more:

Here, we’ve got all the latest news and tips to make sure you don’t miss out, from when the event is due to start to how to get the best bargains.

When is the Next sale 2021?

The retailer has so far not confirmed a date for its summer sale. However, rumours have begun circulating online.

According to a shopper in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group on Facebook, the event could start on 10 July. This prediction comes after last year’s summer event started at a similar time, with VIP slots available from 20 June and in-store offers commencing from 2 July.

Shoppers who signed up to get early access this year have already started shopping this year’s sale, with one post on the same Facebook group stating that VIP slots opened on 3 July.

While an exact date is unknown, the sale is imminent and we can be sure of the time of day that it will kick off, as Next updates its clearance section at around 4.30am each morning (except on a Sunday), so make sure to set your alarm.

How do I access the Next sale?

The Next sale is typically available in stores as well as online.

However, with social-distancing measures still in place across the UK, it remains uncertain whether brick and mortar shops will host the sale as usual. You can find your nearest Next shop by using its store locator tool.

If you choose to shop the event online, you will need to register for an account in advance.

How to get a Next sale VIP slot

Next’s VIP slots have unfortunately closed to new members, with the retailer previously giving a 30 June cut-off date to apply.

However, those who are already signed up with a Next credit account should be able to book a slot. That’s if there are any left – each year, there are a limited number of VIP slots available and they are on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you missed out this time round, fear not, because the slots will be available ahead of the retailer’s next seasonal sale. To be able to book a VIP slot, you need to sign up for a Next credit account, which has a 23.9 per cent APR variable rate, so make sure to consider this before going ahead. Other criteria include:

  • Having at least £250 credit available on your Next credit account
  • Having placed and kept an order from the Next Directory within the past year
  • Having an up-to-date email address registered with Next, and being registered to receive sale and promotional emails
  • Having returned less than two thirds of the items you’ve ordered

You can read more about the Next credit account here.

How to get the best deals

Pick your items in advance – As well as checking back here for all the latest offers, it’s a good idea to think about which items you would like to buy in advance. Having a VIP slot allows you to log in up to 48 hours before the sale begins via the “Next sale preview”, link where you can see what the retailer has on offer and make note of item codes so you’re ready to quickly add them to your basket and checkout when the time comes. If a VIP slot isn’t an option for you, make a list of the type of products you wish to purchase and stick to it to avoid any poor last-minute decisions.

Sign up to newsletters – Make sure your email address and mobile phone number is up to date in your account section too, as it’s likely that Next will be sending out information to its customers about the sale in the days leading up to it.

Get Next Unlimited – If you’re a devoted Next shopper you could save a fortune on delivery costs with Next Unlimited. It costs £20 a year and gets you unlimited next-day deliveries, seven days a week. You can also choose a specific time slot and returns are free. As regular home delivery costs £3.99, signing up for this service pays for itself if you expect to make more than five orders per year.

Early deals to shop now

While you’re waiting for the official summer sale to start, Next has a clearance section that is live all year round that’s worth checking out.

The section has savings across all categories, including womenswear, menswear, kids and home, so it’s good to keep checking back as there are some great deals to be had. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite items below.

Next red floral belted dress: Was £38, now £19, Next.co.uk

 (Next)

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect floral dress to wear for any occasion this summer, consider this option which features colourful red and white blooms. The pretty mid-length design has long sleeves and comes with a black belt, which helps create a fitted waist for a feminine silhouette.

Buy now

Rash vest: Was £13, now £5.50, Next.co.uk

 (Next)

Whether you’re going on a staycation or setting up a paddling pool in the back garden, this bright and colourful kids’ rash vest is a warm-weather essential. It is designed with a bright floral print, long sleeves and is made with 50+ UV protective fabric for added sun safety.

Buy now

Metallic textured jacquard duvet cover set, single: Was £50, now £25, Next.co.uk

 (Next)

Extend the summer vibes to your bedroom with this striking duvet set, which features a graphic white and navy brushstroke motif. Ideal for adding an instant update your bedroom, each set comes with two matching pillowcases.

Buy now

Voucher codes

For the latest fashion discounts, try the links below:

Looking for more great discounts? Read our guide to Nike’s end-of-season sale

More from The Independent

The Independent2 min read
Why Lookfantastic’s Beauty Box Is One Of My Favourites
Trying new beauty products is an exciting prospect, but it can sometimes be overwhelming. Even when we have a shelf stocked full of serums, eye creams, lipsticks and perfumes, the idea of trying something new is always tempting, particularly when you
The Independent3 min read
Shardlake Review: Arthur Hughes Is A Powerful Presence – Both Brittle And Resilient
British schoolchildren are only really taught about three periods of history. The Second World War, naturally, the Industrial Revolution, inexplicably, and Tudor England, thankfully. The last is a source of gratitude because, in its twists and turns,
The Independent2 min read
Shane MacGowan’s Widow Issues Appeal As Pogues Singer’s 1916 Easter Rising Rifle Is ‘Stolen’
The widow of Shane MacGowan has issued an appeal after the musician’s rifle from the 1916 Easter Rising was reported missing on Wednesday (1 May), having “most likely been stolen”. The 65-year-old Pogues frontman, known for “Fairytale of New York” a

Related Books & Audiobooks