// Next appoints ex-Asos director of strategic partnerships Stephen Owen as its new international director

// Owen has held senior positions at Topshop, Primark and River Island

Next has tapped Asos’ former director of strategic partnerships Stephen Owen as its new international director.

Owen has a wealth of experience within the retail industry, having held senior positions at Topshop – where he spent four years as international director and then director of strategic partnerships, as well as holding roles Primark and River Island.

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This week the high-street giant maintained its profit guidance for the year, despite its sales coming in slightly ahead of expectations.

Although full price sales dipped 0.7% in the 13 weeks to 29 April, this was better than the  -2% expected.

“Although our first quarter performance moderately exceeded our sales guidance, we believe it is too early in the year to alter our overall sales expectations for either the half or full year,” the retailer said.

To maintain its first half guidance, it has moderated its second quarter sales forecast, which is now planned to be down 5% on last year, rather than the 4% originally feared.

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