Store sales at Next have returned to growth after a weather-hit slump earlier in the year, the clothing retailer has revealed. Next also lifted its profits forecast for the year amid a stronger-than-expected improvement in performance but it admitted trading "remained volatile" throughout the latest period. Sales in the third quarter to October 26 were up 4.3 per cent, just above the top end of an improvement of one per cent to 4 per cent expected for the second half.