Next ‘resilient’ in the face of inflation

HIGH street retailer Next will remain ‘resilient’ despite pressure on costs and the consumer, according to a global credit rating agency.

In a sign of confidence in the chain’s long-serving chief executive Lord Wolfson, S&P

Global said it expected Next to ‘sustain its strong operating performance despite rising inflation’.

S&P analysts said: ‘We expect conditions in the apparel industry to remain tough, with very strong competition. But Next has a track record of strong execution and adjusting its operating model to overcome ongoing challenges.’