Next - final score: 25/40

Address: 323-329 Oxford Street   

Map: Click here to find this store

Score last year: 28

Verdict: Strong basics and tailored workwear keep Next's offer relevant, but this store is too cramped

Looks - 6

Next's forte is its workwear and basic product, and although it began more of a foray into fashionability last season, it has been careful not to let trends run away with its product for spring.

So saying that, there are more trend nods here than at Gap or Bhs, including safari jackets, tie-dye cardigans, embroidered necks on cotton smock tops and some floral prints in a holiday-themed section, which also features beaded crinkle tops in lime and pink.

Mix - 7

The ground floor of the store is dedicated to womenswear and split relatively easily in half with casual product in the first area, and workwear and evening dresses in the second section.

There are few casual skirts with more focus on pairing tops with cropped, kick-flare and boyfriend-style denim, but tailored separates offer some good suit options in greys, black, pinstripe and checks. In a bid to make itself more of an all-encompassing offering, there are also small clusters of lingerie, swimwear, and fitness clothing.  

Store - 5

The window display is disappointing at Next, with two whole windows taken up with Sale promotion posters, and the other featuring a smart but uninspiring beige suit and black shift dress. The store is far too full of product for its small size and it is hard work trying to look at clothes while getting elbowed in the back.

The accessories and footwear section is better at the back of the store, where product is much more generously spaced. There is some good add on merchandising at the till, where Next's own-brand perfumes and bath products are placed, and there is also a 'bag for life' to tap into consumers' eco conscience. 

Value - 7

A monochrome mini-flower print mac is a bargain at £25, double-layered vests are £3 more expensive than their M&S equivalent at £18, but cotton smocks are reasonable at £20 as are combat trousers for £18. In the workwear area, a poly viscose mix trouser and jacket set is £100 and a ruffle-bibbed blouse is a standard £20.

Next's Signature line of occassionwear dresses is good value, with a beaded silk halterneck dress for just £45. Customers can buy into trends relatively easy courtesy of £22 tie-dyed cardigans. Cotton linen mix jackets in beige and ivory are £50. 

Vox pop: Julie Ward, 46, manager

• Are you a regular shopper here? 
Yes, I shop here regularly.

• What does this shop mean to you?
It's a good place for suits.

• How impressed are you with this season's offerings?  
It's alright at the moment. The colours are good, although everything's so crammed together it's hard to see things properly.

• What is it they're doing well?
The suits are a good cut, and are good value for money.

• What have they missed out that you would have liked to have seen? 
Maybe the eveningwear could be improved, but I will always associate Next with work clothes.