Fashion chain Next sees better-than-expected sales figures

Like-for-like store sales in fashion chain Next in the 14 weeks to May 2 were 2.3% lower - much better than the 6% to 9% decline predicted by Next for the first half of the year.

Next said the figures should be treated with caution due to factors such as the effect of warmer weather and a later Easter break.

However, it raised its sales guidance for the first half for like-for-like declines of between 4% and 7% at its stores, and added £15m (€16.96m) to its profit forecast.

The more optimistic view could be offset by the effect of a possible swine flu pandemic, but Next added that "at this stage it is hard to predict the impact on consumer behaviour".