Total sales at retailer Next for the period 31st January to 2nd May were down -0.2%, with full-price sales down -0.9%. The performance of Next's Directory, which had suffered towards the back end of last year, improved relative to the retail stores, mainly as a result of better stock availability.
Much colder weather in March and April YOY reduced demand for clothing, particularly over the Easter holiday period, but in the same period Next's home and furniture full price sales, which are much less weather dependant, were up +7%.
The retailer believes it is unlikely (but possible) that sales will deteriorate further, as it has seen significant improvement as temperatures have risen.
