Could Next be the new M&S: profitable but terminally unexciting?

The former City darling is struggling to find new fans as customers age – and was beaten by nimbler online rivalsA reliable high street stalwart and City favourite for years, fashion chain Next rocked the City last week as it admitted to having had a gloomy Christmas, after a poor year, and warned of an even gloomier outlook for 2017.Traditionally the first major retailer to report on Christmas trading, Next has long been viewed as a bellwether for the high street and news of its poor perf