By Michael Race & Jonathan JosephsBusiness reporters, BBC News
BloombergNext has warned supplies of its products could be delayed if disruption to shipping in the Red Sea continues.
Attacks by Houthi rebels on vessels in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes have resulted in firms avoiding the area and taking longer routes.
Next said if access “difficulties” continue, delays to stock deliveries to the UK were “likely” early this year.
The warning came as the retailer reported better-than-expected sales in the run-up to Christmas.
The bumper festive period led to the High Street giant, which has about 460 shops in the UK and Ireland, to raise its profit forecast by 5% to £960m for 2024.
But it warned of supply chain “risks” in its trading statement on Thursday.
“Difficulties with access to the Suez Canal, if they continue, are likely to cause some delays to stock deliveries in the early part of the year,” the retailer said.
Next is not…
