Inditex reports 9% sales growth in August amid European heatwaves

Inditex, the parent company of Zara, reported a strong start to its autumn trading period, with currency-adjusted sales increasing by 9% in August. This growth exceeded expectations despite extreme heatwaves across Europe affecting consumer shopping behavior.

The Spanish fashion giant recorded €11 billion in sales during its second quarter (May to July). CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras described the results as “excellent,” noting that the company is navigating a “highly complex global environment” characterized by high energy prices and weak consumer sentiment.

As part of its growth strategy, Inditex is expanding its budget-friendly brand, Lefties, into the United Kingdom, with plans to enter the German market next year. This move aims to capture lower-income shoppers as Zara continues to move toward higher price points. The company's gross profit for the first half of the year rose 8.3% to €11.6 billion.