Next enjoyed bustling Boxing Day sales at High Wycombe's store, as part of a successful Christmas trade thanks to a robust online performance.

The fashion retailer reported a 5.7 per cent rise in full-price sales in the nine weeks to December 30, significantly exceeding an earlier 2 per cent growth forecast.

Both online and high street stores surpassed expectations, with online sales outshining with a 9.1% surge.

Conversely, physical store sales posted a modest 0.6 per cent rise.

Next held 12 per cent less surplus stock heading into its end-of-season sale, comparing to stocks of the prior year.

Consequently, Next has raised its yearly pre-tax profit forecast by £20 million to £905 million, a 4 per cent increase from last year, compared to a November prediction of 1.7 per cent growth.

The company anticipates full-priced sales to climb by 4 per cent to £4.78 billion, surpassing November's 3.1 per cent growth projection.

Charlie Huggins, manager of the ‘Quality Shares Portfolio’ at Wealth Club, who owns shares in Next Plc, said: "Next has pulled yet another rabbit out of the hat today, leading to a further upgrade to its full year sales and profit guidance.

"It has demonstrated once again why it is considered one of the best run retailers around.

"UK consumer spending appears to have defied gravity. A strong employment market and rising wages have helped cushion inflationary cost pressures, meaning consumers have continued to fill their Christmas stockings with Next's wares, despite the gloomy economic headlines. 

"Next's online sales were particularly strong reflecting better stock availability and excellent operational execution.

"This stands in stark contrast to other retailers like Superdry which have struggled in the prevailing economic environment. 

"The future for Next looks bright and is reflected in the group's guidance to grow sales and profits again in the year ahead. 

"Next's core proposition is clearly resonating with the UK consumer and is being augmented by intelligent acquisitions of brands like Fat Face.

"With inflation falling and wages rising, the economic picture also looks a lot less bleak than at the start of last year."

Next in High Wycombe proved to be busy for the Boxing Day sales as people queued early in the morning to get the best deals.

A picture posted by a resident showed a huge queue forming on Crest Road waiting for doors to open.