Next Directory Sales Rise 10.7% As Next Raises Profit Forecast

Next said it expected higher profits this year after a boost from its Directory helped total sales rise 4.3 per cent.

Next Directory sales rose 10.7 per cent in the third quarter to October 26 amid 'volatile trading'. It said total sales at stores and the Directory business rose above its expectations of a rise between 1 and 4 per cent.

It said it now expected profit in the full year to January to be between £650 million and £680 million from previous guidance in September for profit between £635 million and £675 million.

Profit of 680 million would represent a rise of 9.4 per cent compared to last year.