Shares tumble in fashion chain Next

Poor Christmas sales blamed for slump

Poor Christmas sales saw shares in fashion group Next tumble 12 percent today.

Poor Christmas sales saw shares in fashion group Next tumble 12 percent today.

Though the firm saw overall growth of six percent since August, it suffered disappointing December sales.

Next has been forced to start its sales early and would sell left-over autumn and winter stock during its Next to Nothing outlets over the coming year.

In a statement, the group said: "Whilst our sales in the run up to Christmas were good, they were below our expectations."

Next Directory sales were 12 percent ahead.