Next has posted an increase in second-quarter sales, buoyed by a “prolonged period of exceptionally warm weather” throughout June and July.
The fashion behemoth said full-price sales climbed 2.8% during the 12 weeks to July 28, ahead of expectations.
Next said in May that full-price sales for the rest of its fiscal year would be up around 1%.
However, Next cautioned “it was almost certain” that the second-quarter outperformance was driven by sales of summer products being pulled forward from August.
As a result, it said it was maintaining its full-year guidance on both sales and profits.
Online sales delivered a 12.5% uplift in full price during the 12-week period, while store sales fell 5.9%.
Across the wider first half, full-price sales jumped 15.5% within Next’s online business. That compared to a 5.3% slump in its bricks-and-mortar operation.
Next said it kicked off its end-of-season sale on July 7, one week earlier than usual, despite having 20% less stock than last year.
It said clearance rates to date were “better than expected” and added around £4m to its bottom line.
However, Next added that this had “largely been offset” by higher warehouse and distribution costs.
Taking markdowns into account, Next said total sales were up 3.9% year on year in its first half.
The retailer will unveil its interim results on September 25.
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