Ironically, ventures by the UK fashion company Next have been successful and it continues to bring in an estimated NIS 60-70 million in annual online sales from Israel. Some opine that in this case, perhaps, good business sense has to be pushed aside to be politically correct, and in this case, that means not opening stores in Israel.

This begins with an announcement on the Next website that it was seeking franchise holders as it plans to open in Israel. “Next has a growing number of international franchise stores in the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East with experienced retail fashion companies. If you are interested in a franchise opportunity with Next, contact us,” the notice read.

It is explained that if Next open stores in Israel, it would halt online sales and it would result in higher prices for its loyal clients, hence the move would not be in the best interest of shoppers who like the company’s line.

The Globes report quotes Next responding to the report, stating it has no plans to open stores in Israel but will continue operating online. “The announcement that appeared on the Israeli page of our website is a declaration that we are looking for franchise holders, but there is a similar announcement on all of our international websites. That does not mean that we are planning to open stores in Israel; it gives an indication of the type of business partners we are looking for.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)