Next saw its full price sales rise by 21.3% year-on-year in the 13 weeks to 30 April.

The retailer said the strong increase was expected considering that most of its retail stores were shut for the majority of the first quarter last year. Sales in its bricks-and-mortar stores were particularly buoyant with an uplift of 285%, although UK online sales declined by 11%.

Online sales compared to three years ago remained strong and were up 47% on the 2019/20 financial year.

As a result of the performance, Next is maintaining its full year profit guidance at £850 million, which represents an increase of 3.3% on the prior year.