If you're based across the water, next day delivery is probably something you take for granted, albeit there's a higher cost involved. However, the reality in Northern Ireland is that even 'day after next' delivery is ambitious. On top of that, some retailers charge extra to post here - a particular bug-bear of mine...but I'll save that rant for another day.
But this is all set to change with the news that Next will now fulfil all Northern Ireland deliveries on a next day basis - and you can order up to 10pm the night before. These orders will cost only £3.99 (the standard Next delivery rate) or you can have free delivery if you opt for your parcel to go to a local store and if you take up the latter option, you have until midnight to complete your order...which is *almost* same day :)
This has been made possible because Next have built a warehouse picking and packing operation here in Belfast - a first for Next, with Northern Ireland being the only country outside of the UK Mainland to have access to this service.
To launch the service, the team at Next invited some local bloggers and press to the Robinson Cleaver building, opposite Belfast City Hall, to preview the latest drop of winter 2014 womens, kids and mens fashion as well as the gorgeous Christmas home and gift range.
Emma from Life at the Little Wood taking pictures of the Christmas decorations
And even the waiters were advertising the new service...
We were treated to Ulster Fries on a stick (!), smoothies and freshly made coffee & tea - all made from local ingredients and as always happens at these events, there was plenty of blogger banter. Hence I had a bit of an fail on the outfit photo taking though I did take this quick pic of my new grey Next fur gilet before I left the house...
I spotted it on Saturday and loved the colour and the length. It looks amazing over my quilted pleather H&M jacket but Tuesday was warm so I just wore it over my Boden Breton, with my Only patched jeans (similar), Ash Jalouse navy boots (here or here), Dune handbag and a long necklace from my own shop. Finally remembered to take a picture when I was shopping later in the morning.
We were given a £25 voucher to try out the service out so I decided to do just that at 9.40pm last night...ordering some shoes for a formal I'm going to on Friday - quick delivery was important. The shoes arrived a mere 14.5 hours later to my front door....very impressive
Next Black Shoe Boots - £38
Now in my usual formal dress debacle, I'm not yet sure what I'm wearing so as a consequence, I'm not sure if these will work but they can be returned for a full refund so it's not a problem if I decide not to keep them. Since my back trouble, I can only tolerate heels if my foot is well supported so these are perfect. Watch this space on the formal dress and shoes...and sure I don't have to worry as I have one more day to order before 10pm if there's a last minute panic!
Ax
Nothing like (almost) instant gratification :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'm being punished again for living in The Sticks- aka Newcastle! I ordered a pair of boots from Next yesterday evening that I had tried on in the Sprucefield branch last week and stupidly did not buy at the time. They wont be delivered until Friday though so it must be the fault of my lovely local courier!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fab service! Your gilet looks gorgeous on, love it with the patch jeans. I know where to go when I need an outfit last minute (this happens regularly!) good luck with the dress search, I am sure you will find something fabulous!! Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteWow, those shoes are gorgeous! I really love the service from Next, they never fail :) x
ReplyDeleteThere's me, photo bombing your lovely post! I was papped unawares there! :) I tried out the service last night too, unconvinced that it would cover our countryside postcode. But 13 hours later I got my goodies. This is going to be lethal/my saviour in the Christmas season! Xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gilet! I love Next, mostly because I have a store card so it's almost like guilt free purchases until the statement comes in a month after! X
ReplyDeleteHmmmm ... a warehouse in Belfast you say? So when (if ever!) do they plan to extend the next day service down South??? (love the shoes!)
ReplyDeleteMy problem with ordering from their website is you can't just pay by card and be done like all other sites. Is that still the case? I don't want an account or their massive directory sent to me so although I see things I like I never even order.
ReplyDeleteIn fact they turned me down for a credit account about 10 years ago (no idea why as I had a f/t job but I was 22 so maybe deemed a risk!) and I've never shopped with them since! Talk about holding a grudge ;-)
Isn't it funny how we do all take next day delivery for granted! I bet it's amazing now you have that service.
ReplyDeleteI think Next have SO many fab things online now .. almost too much to choose from!
I LOVE that grey gilet
Ooohhh, fab! You are right, we take it for granted here and we shouldn't. Enjoy! Lynne x
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that I get my items the very next day. I must admit that, yes, I do take this for granted. I am glad that your service worked and I hope it will continue to do so. I must say that my delivery woman (Hermes) is completely miserable but you can't have everything. I love you in the jeans, gilet and stripes. Gorgeous. H xx
ReplyDeleteAvril, love it when you can order and get it almost as quickly as picking it up at the shops! Such a great turnaround time from Next......Might be you downfall though!
ReplyDeleteHelen xx