Zara-owner Inditex gets spring season boost from upmarket fashion

The Spanish group has widened its lead over Sweden's H&M thanks to its ability to deliver trends faster from nearby suppliers and sell more clothes at higher prices. That has also helped it counter fast-growing Chinese rival Shein.

Inditex's sales rose 10% to a record €36bn in the year to January 2024.

Zara-owner Inditex's sales jumped 11% at constant currencies in the first half of its spring season, boosted by upmarket fashions and continuing the strong momentum that saw its 2023 sales growth top that of arch rival H&M.

Shares in the world's biggest fashion retailer rose 3.4% to a record high in early Wednesday trade after it reported the figures for February 1 to March 11.