From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-08 08:52:00

Next exceeded expectations with an 11.4% rise in full-price sales, leading to a record profit of over £1bn. The warm weather boosted summer clothing sales, with annual pre-tax profits expected to reach £1.08bn. Analysts believe Next’s success could be due to the positive weather effect on the sector.

Shares in Next and other retailers like JD Sports and Kingfisher rose as quarterly figures highlighted Next’s strength. Despite fears about the economy, hopes of better-than-expected sales have boosted investor confidence in the retail sector. Next’s success is attributed to its brand offering, third-party partnerships, and traditional retail operations.

Next has not experienced any cyber incidents that have affected other big players in the British retail sector, positioning itself as a reliable option for consumers. With online sales rising by 9% in the UK, Next could potentially gain market share while M&S deals with disruptions. The retailer’s history dates back to 1982 when Hepworths acquired Kendall & Sons.

As one of the largest online fashion businesses globally, Next has expanded its reach by acquiring stakes in brands like Gap, Victoria’s Secret, and FatFace. Despite strong sales in the autumn and winter last year, Next predicts slower revenue growth in the second half of the financial year. Total sales growth for the year is forecasted at 6%.

Read more: Next sales buoyed by unusually warm spring weather in UK