Focus on AI, 3D, and sustainability as fashion retailer Next hosts first ever Academics Day event
Next recently hosted its first ever Academics Day at the UK retailer’s Enderby Campus, an event designed to build stronger connections between industry and education.
In a LinkedIn post, it said: “We welcomed leading fashion academics from universities across the UK for a day filled with invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Our internal teams delivered engaging talks on a diverse range of topics, including AI, 3D garment visualisation, market research, sustainability, innovation, new product development, and marketing and PR.”
“We were also pleased to have Lenzing (a specialist in sustainable fibre production and technology) on-site, who hosted a practical workshop focused on sustainable man-made cellulosics.”
The inspiration behind this event came from our Fiona Bailey, Next’s Product Learning and Development Manager. Bailey, who spent 13 years there as a buyer before moving into university lecturing for seven years and returning to the retailer last year, says: "I came up with the idea for Academics Day to bridge the gap between industry and academia."
She adds: "It’s really hard as an academic to stay up-to-date. You rely on the goodwill of your network a lot. That’s why I devised the idea of a day where academics can hear first-hand insights from our top talent across the business."
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Sustainable retail will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2025 Innovation Awards.
The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
