Next sales and profit rise but it warns on potential Middle East impact

In the year to January 31, 2026, total group sales exceeded £7bn, up 10.8% on the 2025 figure of £6.3bn.

Profit-before-tax also grew 14.5% to £1.158bn, and £8m higher than previous guidance. UK sales amounted to 78% of total full price sales, while international sales made up 22%.

Next’s full-year results were called “exceptional” by the group as it expanded on its product offer, continued to drive growth in the international business, controlled costs, and kept developing its warehouses and other platforms. 

Next said sales in the first eight weeks of the new financial year were “encouraging” in the UK, but conflict in the Middle East could impact overseas sales.

It added: “We have not yet reached the period of unusually strong UK trading we experienced last year and, perhaps more importantly, instability in the Middle East – which represents around 6% of our total turnover, may continue to restrain growth in that region.

“It is also likely to have knock-on effects on costs, selling prices, and consumer demand in the rest of the business. We have accounted for £15m of additional costs that are likely to arise from the conflict, such as fuel and air freight, on the assumption that the disruption lasts for three months.”

The £15m does not affect the retailer’s guidance as extra costs have been offset by other savings. It added that higher pricing will have to be introduced if costs persist beyond three months.