LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Next, Britain's secondbiggest clothing retailer, raised its year profit guidance afterposting a strong rise in first-quarter sales.
Next, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain andIreland, almost 200 stores in more than 40 countries overseas,and via its Directory internet and catalogue business, said onWednesday it now expected a 2014-15 pretax profit of 750-790million pounds ($1.26-$1.33 billion).
That compares to previous guidance of 730-770 millionpounds, and would represent growth of 8-14 percent on the2013-14 outcome.
Next's total sales rose 10.8 percent in the 13 weeks toApril 26, its fiscal first quarter.
Next said sales at stores rose 8.8 percent, while NextDirectory sales were up 13.7 percent.
The firm also raised its full-year sales growth guidance to5.5-9.5 percent from 4-8 percent previously.
Earnings per share growth guidance was raised to 8-14percent from 5-11 percent.($1 = 0.5936 British Pounds) (Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle)