Next boosts UK's Brexit-hit shops with stronger Christmas sales

London

NEXT Plc brought some cheer to UK retailers struggling with Brexit-related costs and the rise of online shopping, reporting stronger-than-expected Christmas sales and lifting its profit guidance.

Shares of the apparel and home-furnishings chain, the first major British retailer to report on the holiday season, rose as much as 9.9 per cent after it said price pressure would ease over the coming year. Marks & Spencer Group Plc and Debenhams Plc each were up more than 4 per cent early on Wednesday in London.