Next lifts forecast

British clothing chain Next upgraded its forecast for full-year sales and profit after a stronger-than-expected second quarter performance, particularly in July, which saw a 6.8% rise in full prices sales against the same month last year.

The company said on Wednesday it now expected full price sales for the year to rise by 3.6% against its earlier 1.7% forecast, and profit would be about 725 million pounds ($881.6 million), 10 million pounds higher than its previous guidance. (RTRS)