Next has performed better than its sales guidance for the first quarter but said it was “too early in the year” to alter profit guidance.
In the 13 weeks to April 29, sales at the fashion and home retailer fell 0.7% but continued to be ahead of its guidance of -2%.
Online sales fell by 1.6% and in-store sales saw a 0.6% decrease compared with the same time last year.
Profit guidance for the full year remains unchanged with with profit before tax expected to be £795m.
Next said it was “too early in the year” to alter half- or full-year sales expectations on the basis of first-quarter performance.
However, the retailer adjusted its sales guidance for the second half to be 5% less compared with last year to maintain its first-half forecast.
Next said: “To maintain our first-half forecast, we have moderated our sales forecast for the second quarter, which is now planned to be 5% down on last year (previous guidance was -4%).
“This adjustment seems reasonable as some of the first quarter’s success, particularly in holiday clothing sales leading up to Easter, might have been pulled forward from the second quarter.”
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