Next forecasts bigger profits after hot weather lifts sales
Next has raised its full-year profit forecast to £1.26bn, marking the fourth upward revision this year due to strong sales performance. The retailer attributes a significant portion of this unexpected boost to unusually warm summer weather in the UK, which drove higher demand for seasonal clothing. Despite the positive results, the company expressed concerns about rising inflation, weak employment markets, and potential tax increases that could impact future consumer spending.
- ▪Next increased its full-year profit expectations by £12m to reach £1.26bn, following a 9% rise in total sales over the six months to July.
- ▪The company credited two unusually warm summers in the UK for a significant part of its sales overperformance, alongside successful cost-cutting measures in its warehouses.
- ▪Next cautioned that rising inflation, higher mortgage costs, and a weak jobs market remain primary concerns for the business outlook.
- ▪The retailer stated it is deploying AI across its operations but is prioritizing human-led creative design processes to maintain authentic creativity for consumers.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/17/next-forecast-profits-sales-prices |
| Publication time | Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:42:19 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-17T07:53:42.471Z |
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Next has more than 500 stores across the UK. Photograph: Paul Gapper/AlamyView image in fullscreenNext has more than 500 stores across the UK. Photograph: Paul Gapper/AlamyNextNext forecasts bigger profits after hot weather lifts salesFTSE 100 retailer, which owns UK rights to US brands Gap and Victoria’s Secret, says prices could rise in autumn Business live – latest updates Kalyeena MakortoffThu 17 Sep 2026 03.42 EDTLast modified on Thu 17 Sep 2026 03.43 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleNext has thanked warmer weather for an “unexpected” boost in sales, leading the clothing retailer to raise its profit forecasts for the fourth time this year.The FTSE 100 company, which owns the UK rights to the US brands Gap and Victoria’s Secret as well as stakes in labels including Reiss and…
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