LONDON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Next, Britain's secondbiggest clothing retailer by sales value, posted a 19.3 percentrise in first half profit, with growth at both its stores andhome shopping business.
The group, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain andIreland, about 200 stores overseas, and through its Directoryinternet and catalogue business, said on Thursday it made apretax profit of 324.2 million pounds in the six months to July,up from 271.8 million pounds made in the same period last year.
Next is outperforming rivals, such as Marks & Spencer, because of a strong online offer, a constant stream ofnew store openings and diversification into new product areas,such as homewares, as well as new overseas markets.
It also reiterated the guidance it issued in July. (Reporting by Kate Holton, editing by James Davey)