Leicestershire retailer Next has enjoyed strong Christmas trading, with full price sales during November and December better than anticipated.
According to a new trading statement, in the nine weeks to 30 December, full price sales were up 5.7% versus last year – £38m better than Next’s previous guidance of +2% for the period.
In turn the business has increased its full year profit before tax guidance by £20m to £905m, up 4% versus last year. Of the £20m increase, £17m comes from the sales beat to date and £3m comes from an upgraded forecast for full price sales in January.
Meanwhile, Next has issued full year guidance for the FY25 financial year, in which it expects total sales to rise by 6% and profit before tax to grow 5%.
