Next has reduced its full-year profits' guidance by £25m - a result of unseasonably warm weather in the past two months.
The UK's second-largest clothing retailer, which had warned one month ago that a lack of typically autumnal conditions in October would result in lower profit expectations, said third quarter sales still grew by 5.4%.
But the growth was almost half the 10% it had previously forecast as demand for winter wear remained weak, signalling troubles for the wider sector in the run-up to the Christmas trading season as Next has largely outperformed its rivals for a decade.
Official figures recently showed UK retail sales fell more than expected last month, with clothing demand hindered by the driest
September since records began in 1910.
October is currently on track to be one of the warmest on record.
Next, which trades from over 500 stores in Britain and Ireland, about 200 stores overseas and through its Directory internet and catalogue business, said: "Whilst a cool August meant that the season started well, this was more than offset by much weaker sales in September and October.
"Given the volatility of current trading and the very strong fourth quarter performance last year, we have moderated our expectations for the fourth quarter this year.
"We are now budgeting for full price sales in the final quarter to be within a range of -2% to +4%, with our central profit forecast for the year based on final quarter sales of +1%.
"We have reduced our central profit guidance by 3% to £770m (previously £795m).
The forecast meant that much depended on the Christmas shopping season - crucial to all retailers.
Next said it would update investors on its performance on 30 December.
