Fashion chain Next will fall under the spotlight tomorrow as the first major name to update on what is likely to have been the toughest Christmas in years on the high street.

An upturn in sales at H Samuel gave owner Signet a boost today as the company insisted its UK business was not up for sale.

British jewellery retailer Signet continued its recent glittering performance today after first half like-for-like sales rose 7.4% to £671.6m (€1bn).