Fashion and home furnishings retailer Next has reported a growth in third quarter sales as performance exceeds expectations.

According to its Q3 trading update, total sales rose 7.6%, which was 2.6% ahead of its guidance for the quarter of 5%.

Next said it believes its strong performance was “driven by the early arrival of colder weather this year, versus an unusually warm September and early October last year”.

Due to the better than expected performance, Next added it is upgrading its guidance for Q4, with sales expected to grow 3.5%, while full year sales are now estimated to reach £5.02bn, an increase by 4.9%.

“The improved sales in Q3 along with our forecast for Q4 add £43m to full price sales and £10m to profit; accordingly, we are upgrading our profit guidance for the full year from £995m to £1,005m.” Next said.