Next profits up but remains cautious
The firm, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain and Ireland and almost 200 stores overseas, said that although Britain’s consumer economy looks benign, it remains very cautious in its sales budgets.
“Whilst we are happy with most of our current product ranges, we recognise that some collections are not as strong as they were at this point last year,” said the firm.
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Hide AdIt said that during the spring and summer seasons it also faces very tough comparative numbers from last year, when sales were assisted by unusually warm weather.
Next noted there is potential upside in the second half as the comparative performance last year weakens, particularly in the third quarter.
The firm forecast sales growth of 1.5-5.5 per cent in 2015-16 with the first half expected to be up 0-3 per cent, and the second half up 3.5-7.5 per cent.
It forecast a pre-tax profit of £785m to £835m for the current year, which represents growth of 0.4-6.7 per cent.
Next made an underlying profit before tax of £782m in the year to January 2015.