general
Next warns of a £15m hit from Middle East war and signals possible price rises
Next told investors the Middle East war will cut roughly £15 million from its performance and warned that prolonged conflict could push up prices as UK consumer confidence hits a record low since Starmer took office.
Mar 26th 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- Next expects about a £15 million negative impact from the war in the Middle East on its business.
- The retailer said sustained conflict could force cost passes to customers, signalling potential price rises if the situation continues.
- UK consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since Prime Minister Starmer took office, weakening demand for retailers.
- Next presented the warning as an early indicator of broader pressure on British retailers rather than a final forecast.
Sources
- BOE’s Greene Warns of Lasting Inflation Impact Even If War Ends www.bloomberg.com
- Markets Bracing for War Shock Are Ignoring Resilient US Economy www.bloomberg.com
- Next Signals Price Hikes on the Horizon if War Drags On www.bloomberg.com
- Next says Middle East conflict could add £15m to costs and push up prices www.theguardian.com
- UK forecast to face weaker growth and higher inflation from Iran war www.bbc.com
- UK faces biggest hit to growth from Middle East war, OECD warns www.ft.com
- Middle East conflict will damage UK’s economy ‘more than any other’ www.theguardian.com
- Iran war chokes petrochemical supply, sends plastic prices soaring www.reuters.com