In the fast-paced world of retail, where brand presence and customer experience mean everything, standout signage isn’t just about skill, it’s about vision, trust, and the power of partnership.
For more than 25 years, GEETEE has been proud to stand alongside NEXT, one of the UK’s most iconic high street retailers, helping shape the look and feel of its stores up and down the country.
The Road to a Successful Partnership
Since its launch in 1982, NEXT has grown into a retail giant with around 700 stores worldwide. Known for its blend of style, value, and quality, NEXT curates a mix of its own labels and global brands like Mamas & Papas, Victoria’s Secret, and Bath & Body Works.
NEXT’s values of courtesy, integrity, expertise, value, and innovation are values we live by at GEETEE. That’s why our partnership works. We don’t just deliver signage, we deliver experiences that elevate the brand.
Delivering Beyond the Brief
In retail, deadlines are often tight, expectations are definitely high, and there’s no room for error. At GEETEE, we thrive in that space. Our long-standing relationship with NEXT is built on trust, reliability, creativity, and precision. Whether it’s a flagship store or a rapid refresh, we lead from the front, designing, producing, and installing signage that doesn’t just meet the brief, but often redefines it.
This year saw two extremely prestigious openings by the retail giant. The first saw NEXT relocate to a larger, more prominent unit at Lakeside Shopping Centre; it wasn’t just a move, it was a statement. GEETEE was on site from day one, even before the previous tenants had vacated! Our role? To help shape the visual identity of this new concept store.
From early site visits to final installation, we worked hand-in-hand with NEXT’s team to deliver a visually attractive and inviting space. Every sign, every detail, was carefully considered to reflect the brand’s evolution… and all delivered on time and on budget.
Two Standout Stores, One Shared Vision
The first, Lakeside… This wasn’t your average fit-out. This was a creative challenge.
Our task? Deliver a full internal and external signage package while juggling tight deadlines and strict budgets without sacrificing quality. We took the lead on design, prototyped multiple concepts, and sourced smart alternative materials to get the best outcomes for the best value.
The result was a seamless, high-impact branding experience that brought the store to life and proved that when you think creatively, you can deliver so much more.
Navigating the Complexities
Big projects bring big challenges. At Thurrock, that meant securing landlord permissions for remote signage, collaborating with global design firm Gensler, and coordinating with Radius Shopfitters plus NEXT’s other brand partners, including Costa, Fat Face, and Bath & Body Works.
Stakeholder management at its best, with GEETEE at the centre of it all.
Innovation Delivered
The second milestone came with the opening of NEXT’s new store at Eldon Square in Newcastle. This one was all about speed and innovation.
From our first site visit in February 2025 to completion in July, the timeline was tight, but our team thrives under pressure. We pushed the boundaries with bold illuminated vertical fins and other custom elements, reimagining traditional signage with new materials and precise craftsmanship.
Seamless coordination with NEXT, Barnwoods, the main contractor, and the centre’s project management team, ensured everything came together on time.
Why It Works
At GEETEE, we know great signage is about more than just materials and measurements. It’s about collaboration, creativity, and trust.
We listen. We adapt. We lead. And above all, we deliver… no matter how complex the challenge. Because when you build partnerships that last, you don’t just meet expectations, you redefine them.