God. Bank holidays. Those glorious days when we all pretend we're going to do something productive but end up binge-watching Netflix in our pajamas until 3pm. And then suddenly panic because we need something to wear for that family thing tomorrow.
I've been there more times than I care to admit.
Next has been my go-to fashion lifeline since I was a broke uni student back in 2011. Remember when their jeans were like £22? Those were teh days. Now I'm dropping twice that without blinking. But I digress...
So When Can You Actually Shop on May 5th?
Here's the deal: most Next stores will stick to their regular hours on Monday, May 5, 2025 for the Early May Bank Holiday. But (and there's always a but), some branches might cut their hours short because... bank holiday.
Do yourself a favor and check their store locator before trekking out: www.next.co.uk/storelocator
Last summer I drove 40 minutes to my "regular" Next only to find they'd closed early. Stood there looking like an idiot with my face pressed against the glass while the security guard gave me that "sorry not sorry" shrug.
The Elephant Wearing Designer Clothes in the Room
Worth mentioning that Next has been making some noise about potential store closures after they lost that equal pay legal battle last year. My friend who works at head office texted me: "Management is freaking out. Everyone's updating LinkedIn profiles." Yikes.
And just to add more drama to your shopping experience, they warned in January that prices might go up thanks to the chancellor's National Insurance hike. Because apparently we weren't spending enough already...
Why I'm Still Obsessed Despite Everything
Listen. I know I should probably be more ethical with my shopping habits or whatever. But Next keeps pulling me back in with their ridiculous deals.
Their Mother's Day hamper this year? £25 for stuff worth £125. I bought three – one for my mum, one for my mother-in-law, and one that I swore was for my sister but mysteriously ended up in my bathroom cabinet.
Some woman on my Instagram feed found designer chairs marked down from £250 to £62.50. Seventy-five percent off! I immediately drove to my local Next Home, only to find they'd sold out. Of course.
The Kids' Section Hack That Saved Me £400 This Year
I feel stupid now for not figuring this out sooner.
If you're around a size 12 like me, the children's section is your secret weapon. Their age 16 stuff fits perfectly, and I've saved about £50 per shopping trip. My husband thinks I'm a genius (or just weird... probably both).
The quality is exactly the same, just cheaper because... well, I don't actually know why. Marketing? Psychology? Some retail conspiracy to make adults pay more?
Other Bank Holidays When You Can Waste Your Day Off Shopping
Since we're on the topic, here are the other bank holidays coming up in 2025 when you can pretend you're going to the park but end up at Next instead:
For England and Wales:
• May 5 – Early May bank holiday (the one we're talking about)
• May 26 – Spring bank holiday
• August 25 – Summer bank holiday
• December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – Boxing Day
Scotland gets an extra one on December 1 for St Andrew's Day, plus their summer holiday is earlier (August 4). Northern Ireland celebrates the Battle of the Boyne on July 14.
And now I've just realized I've spent 20 minutes writing about Next opening times when I should be finishing that report due tomorrow.
Priorities, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
Statistics
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
External Links
How To
How To Improve Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus to identify any inaccuracies or negative entries. Pay your bills on time, as payment history accounts for a significant portion of your credit score. Reduce your credit card balances to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, ideally below 30%. Avoid opening new credit accounts frequently, as this can negatively impact your score. Lastly, consider becoming an authorized user on a responsible person's credit card to benefit from their good credit habits. Regularly monitor your credit report to track your progress.
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