The long-awaited sun may be starting to shine on fashion retailers if Next’s interim management statement is anything to go by.

There were no unwelcome surprises from the retailer, following the announcement of a near nine per cent fall in sales for the first quarter to April 26.

Indeed, there was probably an audible sigh of relief that sales were no worse than market consensus.

And the beleaguered retailer, while hammering home its cautious stance given the economic gloom, is hunkering down and planning for significantly better like-for-like growth in quarter two.

Fashion retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Sports Direct may also be celebrating Next’s figures as a sign of some long-overdue respite following a period that included the worst sales decline in the clothing market for eight years in March.

It is also no surprise that, since the welcome arrival of the sun, the cumulative like-for-like decline at Next has improved to -7.8 per cent, which implies about 5 per cent positive like-for-like growth from January 27 to May 7 and a progression from flat to slightly improved figures in the past 11 days.

The figures indicate that mid-market fashion retailers may be starting to benefit from pent-up demand and softening comps. The future may be bright.

But there is likely to be more belt-tightening – and unfortunately not of the present à la mode waist-cinching variety – for Next’s shoppers. As inflation continues to bite, they are most in the line of fire.

So, while celebrating the sun’s appearance, most fashion retailers will continue to feel the burns from the last bout of fickle weather.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday, shoppers at Selfridges will be able to experience a right royal shopping experience. Customers at the purveyors of posh frocks in central London can now arrange to be waited on hand and foot by a royal more used to having her own ladies-in-waiting. Princess Beatrice has begun her work experience as a personal shopper for VIP shoppers at the iconic store and will be on hand to offer fashionista advice. The unpaid experience will see Bea work from nine to five for the rest of the month. It brings new meaning to the phrase “by royal appointment”.

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