Online sales and new store openings helped clothing chain Next achieve a 13.8% rise in profit after tax for the half year ending July 27th.
Meanwhile, operating profits were at the top end of expectations, up 7.2%, and sales were 2.2% ahead of last year, driven by a combination of additional selling space and increased online sales through the Next Directory.
Chief executive Lord Wolfson said: “The group has made good progress in the first half, delivering profits at the upper end of our expectations.
“Looking ahead the economy looks set to improve moderately, albeit at a slow pace and with the risk that credit easing may not translate into growth in real earnings. We remain confident that we can deliver growth in sales, profits and earnings per share for the full year.”
