Sales at clothing retailer Next were given a lift during the first half of 2011 thanks to a strong performance by the company's mail order arm.
Figures released by the company today show a 3.2 per cent year-on-year increase in total sales during the 26 weeks to July 30. Retail sales were down 1.7 per cent over the period, while sales through Next Directory increased by 15.1 per cent.
In a statement, the company said the home shopping sales figure was "somewhat flattered" by an increase in discounted sale items. Full price item sales were up 13.3 per cent.
Looking ahead, Next said increased costs experienced during the first half of the year were likely to continue into the second half.
However, the firm said cost price inflation will be "more benign" next year thanks to a sharp fall in the price of cotton, an increase in the availability of factory capacity in the Far East and the end of the impact of this year's VAT rise. Next predicted that as a result, it will not be necessary to increase prices further next spring.
