Department store chain Next has issued encouraging data showing a strong increase in sales towards the end of last year, in spite of lingering concerns about the wider UK retail market.
In its latest trading update, the company revealed overall retail sales were up by 3.1 per cent year-on-year between the start of August and Christmas Eve. The figure was boosted by strong online sales, as store transactions were down by 2.7 per cent from the same period in 2010.
“Next was one of a handful of high street retailers that saw the potential of multiple channels, such as online and its Directory,” James McGregor, director of analysts at Retail Remedy, told the Retail Gazette. “The Next group has remained a strong player within a depressed market because it continues to listen to its customers.”
Conlumino managing director Neil Saunders issued a note of caution, however, pointing out that 2010’s figures were particularly weak. Britain was gripped by a prolonged spell of cold weather towards the end of the year which added to the high street’s woes.
