LONDON, July 30 (Reuters) - Next, Britain's secondbiggest clothing retailer, raised its profit expectations forthe year after sales growth accelerated in its second quarter,partly reflecting favourable seasonal weather conditions.
The group, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain andIreland and about 200 stores overseas, as well as through itsDirectory internet and catalogue business, said on Tuesday totalsales rose 2.3 percent in the 26 weeks to July 27.
The outcome compares with first quarter growth of 2.2percent and was consistent with previous sales guidance for thefull 2013-14 year of growth of 1 percent to 4 percent.
That guidance was adjusted to growth of 1.5 percent to 3.5percent. It raised and narrowed guidance for pretax profit to635-675 million pounds ($975 million-$1.0billion) from 615-665million pounds.
Next (NXT)
