Retailer Next sees profits up 4%

BRITAIN’S third-largest clothing retailer Next has said annual profits rose 4% last year but added that trading will be difficult in the coming months.

In the 12 months ending January 31, 2008, Next made a pre-tax profit of £498.1m (€631.6m), compared with £478.4m (€607.2m) a year earlier.

Annual revenues rose by 1.4% to £3.33bn (€4.22bn), from £3.28bn (€4.29bn).