Next enjoys strong sales in childrensware and homeware

The business said as a result, overall sales were better than expected, up 2.8 per cent in the three months to October 24, compared with the same period a year ago.

Next said its full-year pre-tax profit was now forecast at £365m, £65m higher than its central scenario given in September.

However, it added there was a high degree of uncertainty in its estimates, and the biggest risk was whether England, Scotland and Northern Ireland would follow Wales’ decision to shut non-essential retail shops as part of tougher Covid measures.

Next said its online sales were strong in the quarter, showing a rise of 23.1 per cent, offsetting a 17.9 per cent drop in retail.

Home and childrenswear continued to perform well, it said, while demand for men’s and women’s formal and occasion clothing remained weak.

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