Tesco among leaders of retail pack

NEXT, Tesco, John Lewis and B&Q will outperform their sectors over the next five years as retail competition builds up, says consultancy group Verdict. It warns that retailers face a ' downward swing' over the next year after the strong final quarter of 2001.

Surviving firms will need to 'work harder for their share of the spoils'. Branding will be vital as the 'need for retailers to be distinct from one another will be greater than ever'.