Summary
Fashion retailer Next reported strong sales during the Christmas period, but warned that sales growth might slow in the UK due to rising unemployment. Next's full-price sales in the UK rose by 5.9%, while international revenues increased by 38.3%.
Key Facts
- Next reported a 10.6% increase in sales during the nine weeks leading up to December 27, 2024.
- The company expects higher annual profits than originally predicted.
- Next warned that UK sales growth may slow due to rising unemployment.
- Full-price sales in the UK increased by 5.9% over Christmas.
- International sales for Next jumped by 38.3%.
- The company noted continuing pressures on UK employment could affect consumer spending.
- Retail analyst Charles Allen noted concerns about unemployment, especially among young people.
- Next's 2025 performance was helped by good weather and a rival's cyber attack issues.
