Companies

Next raises profit forecast on strong Christmas sales

Jan 7, 2026 United Kingdom

The UK-based fashion retailer has reported strong and better-than-expected Christmas trading results, prompting it to raise its full-year profit forecast

In its latest trading statement for the financial year ending on the 31^stof January 2026, Next announced that full-price sales during the Christmas period (the nine weeks leading up to the 27^th of December 2025) had increased by 10.6%, as compared to the same period last year, surpassing its initial forecasts.

Sales in the UK slowed, but remained ahead of expectations, rising by 5.9% year-on-year in this period versus the prior guidance of 4.1% - this was supported by improved stock availability compared with last year, when deliveries were disrupted by issues in Bangladesh and the global freight network.

Meanwhile, international online sales increased by 38.3%, surpassing the forecast of 24.3%, reflecting stronger-than-expected overseas demand and improved stock management.

As a result, Next increased its forecast profit before tax for the full year to 1.15 billion British pounds (1.328 billion euros), representing growth of 13.7% compared to the previous year. This exceeds the previous guidance of 1.135 billion British pounds (1.312 billion euros).

It also expects a 4.5% increase in full-price sales and a group profit before tax of 1.202 billion British pounds (1.388 billion euros), reflecting a more cautious outlook as growth is expected to be tempered by post-holiday comparatives and softer consumer demand.

Full-year results for the 2025/26 financial year will be released on the 26^th of March 2026.

1 GBP = 1.15 EUR

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