Next sales up by 4.5% in first quarter

Next sales have been boosted in the past three months by warm weather over the Easter period and online sales.

Total sales grew by 4.5% over the 13 weeks up to 27^th April, compared to the same period last year.

In store sales declined by 3.6% despite the warmer weather conditions,  proving it isn't immune to the tough high street conditions.

Online sales provided growth, increasing by 11.8% over the period.

Sales in April grew by 4.7%, with sales in February rising by 7.2% and 1.5% in March, compared to the same months in the previous year.