Next sales alert over ‘Indian summer’

September is an important month for the industry but, with slower demand for jumpers and coats, Next’s sales are currently up six per cent in the quarter to the end of October, rather than the 10 per cent previously forecast for the period.

It hopes that it will recover some of the lost sales when the weather turns but if the unusually warm conditions continue for the full duration of October it is likely to lower its full-year profit guidance of £775m to £815m.

The group, which overtook Marks & Spencer with a £695m annual profits haul earlier this year, had been experiencing its strongest sales growth for many years prior to the slower performance seen in September.

Next shares opened lower, while other retailers were also affected by the update.