Fashion chain Next hopeful for profits growth

UK fashion chain Next today said it remained on track to grow sales and profits this year, despite its fears of a post-election spending slowdown.

Next has been encouraged by trading in the 13 weeks to May 1, with high street sales up 2.8% and its Directory arm trading comfortably ahead of earlier hopes at 7.2% higher. Like-for-like sales including online business rose by 2.2%.