Trading Statement

Next PLC
17 May 2006

Date:      Embargoed until 10.45am, Wednesday 17 May 2006



Contacts:  Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive
           David Keens, Group Finance Director
           NEXT PLC
           Tel:  [phone]


           Alistair Mackinnon-Musson
           Hudson Sandler
           Tel:      [phone]
           Email:  [e-mail]

           Photographs available:  http://www.next.co.uk/press/


                                     NEXT PLC

                              Annual General Meeting
                                TRADING STATEMENT


Current Trade



The combined sales for NEXT Retail and NEXT Directory for the period from
29 January to 13 May 2006 were up 8.2% compared to the same period last year.



NEXT Retail sales were up 6.4% in the period.  Like-for-like sales in the 244
stores that were unaffected by new openings were down -5.8%.



NEXT Directory sales were up 13.2% in the period.





                                    - ENDS -


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