"I have always held immense respect for NEXT - the brand, its people, and its exceptional products"

Over the last couple of weeks, I had the privilege of sitting down with Claire Sollis , our incredible Director of Home here at Next. I wanted to dive deeper into her story—to understand the journey that led her to this remarkable position. And my word, what an inspirational path it has been!

In this article, I’ll share some of the key moments from our conversation: the lessons Claire learned along the way, the challenges she overcame, and the values that continue to drive her. Whether you’re just starting your career or are looking for motivation to take the next step, Claire’s story is sure to leave you feeling inspired.

What has been your journey to get to where you are now?

"I started? in retail at a young age, working in my Uncle’s newsagents and then working at Marks and Spencer in university holidays. I loved being on the till and with customers - it’s from this, that I decided to pursue a career in retail.

After The University of Leeds where I studied Textile Engineering , I joined M&S as a Graduate Garment Technologist and whilst there I moved to the Home department. This was a great experience - I learnt from so many experienced and talented people to gain knowledge of product development, technical management, professionalism and also a love for Home products.?

I left M&S to come to NEXT HOME as a Technical Manager. Over the 12 years at NEXT HOME, I moved from being a Technical Manager to a Buying Manager, travelling extensively in both roles to source products which developed my understanding of global supply chains. My last role was a General Manager for Furniture and Textiles. Again, I worked with inspirational people and learnt how to manage bigger areas as the range and teams grew.?

Seeking new challenges, I moved to Sainsbury’s as Head of Buying and later became Acting Business Unit Director, gaining new and valuable leadership and strategic experience. After two years, I joined Dunelm, where I spent seven years as Commercial Director.?

I have been very fortunate to work with so many great and talented people, as well as having the support and encouragement from my family and husband. I have learnt new skills with each experience and enjoy working as a team to deliver"

Tell me what it has been like since you have come back to NEXT?

"I have always held immense respect for NEXT - the brand, its people, and its exceptional products. It has been a joy to be back as it is a blend of familiarity and new excitement. It was such a fantastic opportunity to be able to return and be part of something so remarkable once again. I work in an amazing team that are not only very talented and continue to develop but are also great individuals that are wonderful to work with"

What is your biggest success story since coming back?

"The way everyone operated during COVID was truly outstanding. The adaptability and determination to grow sales under such challenging circumstances was really impressive!. We found innovative ways to work and learnt so much in the process—not just about the business but also about each other. It was incredible to see how everyone pulled together with a strong team ethic, showcasing the resilience and strength of the entire team whilst also developing greater empathy and honesty"

What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to start their career with Next?

"Passion is a driving force behind success—be passionate and stay passionate!"

Feeling inspired? Claire’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent meets determination—and it’s just one of many incredible journeys here at Next.

Feeling passionate? If you’re someone who thrives on creativity, collaboration, and the chance to make a real impact, you might just find your perfect fit with us.

Feeling intrigued? We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of our brand.

Check out our Careers Page to explore the exciting opportunities waiting for you. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your career to the next level, we’d love to have you on board. Let’s build something amazing together!