UK fashion chain Next today reported better-than-expected results, despite a challenging year for its high street outlets.
Next said increased store space, cost cutting and stock management had helped it post a 6% increase in pre-tax profits to £449.1m sterling - ahead of City expectations for the year to January 28.
The company said combined sales for the first seven weeks of this financial year were up 5.6% on 12 months earlier, but the competitive and economic environment was likely to remain tough over the coming year.
