Next said today that it should achieve better-than-expected sales and profit this year after a strong performance in its first 13 weeks.
Next Brand sales were up 10.8%, of which 2.2% came from the opening of profitable new space. Retail sales rose by 8.8% and Next Directory put on 13.7%.

In today's interim statement, the fashion, home and garden retailer increased its sales guidance for the full year to between 5.5% and 9.5%, ahead of the 4% to 8% given in March.

"This new guidance might look conservative in the light of the first quarter's performance," said the company. "However, we always expected the first quarter to show above average sales growth as the comparative period last year suffered from a particularly cold spring and Easter holiday period."

At the same time, last year's final quarter "presents particularly challenging comparatives", Next said.

The forecast for annual pre-tax profit growth was revised upwards to between 8% and 14% from 5% to 11%.

Encouraged by its success within the home improvement arena, Next has just opened its first Home & Garden store to offer no fashion. The new Bristol outlet also includes Next's first Bedshop, dedicated to beds and mattresses.