LONDON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Britain's second biggestclothing retailer Next posted an 8.2 percent rise infirst half profit, helped by a strong performance from itsDirectory internet and catalogue business as well as new storeopenings.
The group, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain andIreland and about 200 more overseas, said on Thursday it made apretax profit of 271.8 million pounds ($429.81 million) in thefirst half to July 27.
That compares to 251.3 million pounds in the same periodlast year and analysts' average forecast of 268 million pounds,according to a Reuters poll.
Revenue rose 2.2 percent to 1.68 billion pounds, with retailsales down 0.9 percent but Directory sales up 8.3 percent. Aninterim dividend of 36 pence, up 16.1 percent, is being paid.