Next gets sales lift from sunny weather and M&S disruption

Next said the rise in employer national insurance contributions would ‘dampen consumer spending as the year progresses’. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Next has reported bumper sales between May and July as sunnier UK weather and a disruptive hack at its rival Marks & Spencer sent customers flocking to the clothes and homewares retailer.

Full-price sales at Next in the 13 weeks to 26 July rose by 10.5%, compared with the same period last year, which was £49m ahead of its guidance forecast of a 6.5% rise in takings.