Next hikes profit forecast to £1.24bn as heatwave boosts sales

Next has raised its annual profit forecast for the third time this year, after second-quarter sales smashed expectations.
The fashion and homeware giant said full-price sales rose 9.2 per cent in the 13 weeks to 1 August, more than double its forecast of four per cent.
Sales came in £70m ahead of expectations, comprising a £19m beat in the UK and £51m from overseas markets.
Next attributed the performance to UK temperatures matching last year’s exceptionally warm summer,