British fashion retailer Next cashed in on the spending boom over the festive period as sales surged across its high-street stores, figures showed today.
The group, which operate several stores here, saw total sales in the 23 weeks to January 5 soar 22% above the same period the year before while like-for-like sales growth was 9%.
Shoppers also snapped up goods through the Next Directory, with sales up 20%.
The figures come four months after Next reported a 15% jump in first-half profits, to £93 million sterling, on strong sales of clothing, accessories and home ware.
The group's performance also confirms the health of the UK retail sector over Christmas despite the economic gloom.
Figures from the British Retail Consortium shows that the high street last month enjoyed its most successful Christmas for five years. Sales across the retail sector in December rose by 6% on a like-for-like basis with food, drink and clothing among the best performing markets.
