Q&A INTERVIEW WITH NEXT125 Stuart Dance
Welcome to South Lakes
Matt Broughton took five trains to the Lake District, where he was rewarded with some gorgeous views and a beautiful new concept store from next125. While there, he spoke with Stuart Dance, and Mark and Liam Butler.
Matt: The South Lakes concept store is your 13th globally. Why are these stores so important to you as a company?
Stuart Dance, Managing Director, InHouse Inspired Room Design: There are three key reasons why the concept stores are important to next125 as a company. The first is that we want to build the next125 brand internationally, and this means keeping a consistent look, feel and experience of the brand. Also, the brand has got to where it’s got to because of working with top-level independent retailers and we wanted to build together on their great work, reputation and knowledge of their local markets. The final reason is about partnership. The industry and the market are changing. By working in partnership, retailers get the real support and investment from a major brand and can continue to build their legacy. For everyone it’s a win, win, win scenario: brand plus independence plus futureproofing.
Matt: What have you learnt from previous launches that has helped put the South Lakes store together? Stuart: We’ve now got 13 next125 concept stores internationally and South Lakes is our second in the UK and our first in England. What we’ve learnt is that every store and every location is different. next125 Glasgow is on one of the major high streets and surrounded by other kitchen showrooms. Whereas next125 South Lakes is literally surrounded by fields so while we need to have road signage, it is a destination which people will drive to. Also, every market is different and these two stores are urban and regional.
As a brand, next125 relies on our partner retailers for their local knowledge and insight, and that’s what makes the design of the showroom a truly collaborative experience. Both retailers are highly experienced in selling the next125 product,
Mark & Liam Butler
so they already know the features and benefits. What they now have is consistency in branding and marketing that brings the truly premium experience of the brand.
Matt: What do concept stores like this mean to the retailers? Mark Butler, Director, next125 South Lakes: There was a great appeal to joining an international network. We’ve been a next125 retailer since 2010 and launched our first exclusive next125 showroom in 2019, shortly after my son Liam joined the business. The concept store made real commercial sense as we were looking to take our retail offer to the next level, allowing us to expand and develop cost-effectively while maintaining our independence and autonomy. For us, we are passionate about the product and the service and quality that we receive. But just as importantly, it’s about the people that we have the pleasure of working alongside. With my son Liam and a phenomenal team at next125 South Lakes we have a great platform for further growth and development.
6 BKU JUNE 2026
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