Next responds after Romesh Ranganathan’s mum issues cheeky ultimatum over free clothes

Shanthi Ranganathan’s playful appeal appears to have caught the high street retailer’s attention, with its verified Instagram account replying to a clip shared by The Romesh Ranganathan Show.

Next wrote: “We hear you loud and clear Shanthi, we’ll have our people contact your people ️”

The response marks a development in Shanthi’s light-hearted campaign for recognition from her favourite clothing shop – and answers her son’s challenge to the retailer: “Next, the ball is in your court.”

During the podcast exchange, Shanthi revealed she was wearing a top and trousers from Next, explaining that she liked the retailer because its clothes ‘fit perfectly’.

But despite her loyalty, she had a complaint.

“I am still waiting for freebies,” she revealed, adding: “Nobody is listening.”

Romesh encouraged his mum to make a direct appeal, before questioning whether they had much bargaining power – when she was already buying the clothes and wearing them on the show.

“What advantage do they get?” he asked, suggesting she could threaten to stop wearing Next outfits on the podcast unless the retailer sent her something.

Shanthi appeared willing to consider her options, declaring: “I’m going to try all the shops and the clothing.”

That prompted Romesh to joke about the shopping choices in their hometown.

“You thought you were the only shop in town. She lives in Crawley, there are two or three shops she can go to. So how do you feel about that?”

His mum delivered a final warning: “Don’t be stingy, send some goodies please or I’m changing the shop.”

The appeal also caught viewers’ attention. One commenter on Instagram wrote: “Came to the comments hoping to see the Next socials team had jumped into action.”

Next’s reply suggests Shanthi’s message has now reached the right people, although the retailer has not confirmed whether any clothes will be heading her way.

For now, her threat to change shops has at least secured a response.

You can find The Romesh Ranganathan Show, wherever you get your podcasts – including YouTube and Spotify.