EASTER SUN TEMPTS SHOPPERS TO NEXT

NEXT posted a jump in sales as warmer weather over Easter encouraged shoppers out.

It posted a 4.5pc rise in full-price sales for the 13 weeks to April 27 compared with a year earlier, equivalent to around £10m of additional revenue.

Next had expected to post a 3.2pc increase during the period.

Online sales soared by 11.8pc. And while store sales were down 3.6pc, unusually warm weather meant shops were busier than usual.

The strong figures will be a welcome boost to Next, which is headed up by Simon Wolfson ( picturedbelow), at a time when the High Street has been under significant pressure.

George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: ‘Next remains a well-run operation. We think it should be well-placed to roll with the punches should the High St r e e t ’ s malaise continue.’