High street retailer Next has upgraded their profit guidance and they are shrugging off concerns of consumer pressures ahead of Christmas.
On Wednesday morning shares rose as a result and the retailer is expecting sales to grow by 7% in the quarter to January 2026, compared to the previous guidance of 4.5%.
In the 13 weeks to 26 October Next full price sales rose by 10.5%, UK sales were up 5.4% in the quarter.
Investors were told the retailer expects pre-tax profit of around £1.135 billion in the year to January.
Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said, “Next has once again proven why it’s the gold standard in UK retail.
“With guidance lifted and healthy sales growth both at home and abroad, the retail giant’s winning formula of tight cost control, effective stock management and a well-balanced online and store offer is clearly paying off.
“At a time when many retailers are feeling the squeeze from rising costs, weak consumer confidence and uncertainty around the next Budget, Next appears largely immune to such pressures.”
