Fast Retailing posts record first-quarter as Uniqlo's momentum accelerates

Fast Retailing has opened fiscal 2026 with record first-quarter results, underlining the growing strength of Uniqlo as both a commercial and cultural engine for the group.

In the three months to the end of November, the Japanese retail giant reported consolidated revenue of 1.03 trillion yen (£4.8 billion), up 14.8% year-on-year, while business profit climbed 31% to 205.6 billion yen (£967.9 million). Profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 11.7% to 147.4 billion yen (£693.9 million).

Uniqlo delivered revenue and profit growth across every region, with Fast Retailing citing high-quality store openings, sharper brand communication and improved management of inter-season ranges as key contributors.

In its domestic market, Uniqlo Japan reported revenue growth of 12.2% to 299 billion yen (£1.4 billion), with profit increasing 20.2%.

Uniqlo International delivered the strongest performance within the group. Revenue increased 20.3% to 603.8 billion yen (£2.8 billion), while business profit surged 38%. Growth was broad-based across Greater China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia, Europe and North America. In Europe, the opening of new stores in cities including Glasgow, Birmingham, Frankfurt and Munich, alongside the reopening of the Antwerp Meir flagship, helped boost brand visibility and footfall.

The results arrive as Fast Retailing sharpens Uniqlo’s fashion positioning alongside its scale-led growth. Last week, the group confirmed the appointment of former Marni Creative Director Francesco Risso as Creative Director of GU, while also announcing that he will design a new collaboration line for Uniqlo launching in 2026.

While GU reported only a slight increase in revenue, up 0.8% to 91.3 billion yen (£429.8 million), profits rose 20% thanks to tighter inventory control and improved discounting.

Performance across Fast Retailing’s Global Brands segment was more mixed. Revenue declined 7.6% to 33 billion yen (£155.3 million), largely due to weaker trading at Theory in the US.

Off the back of the strong first quarter, Fast Retailing upgraded its full-year forecast, now expecting fiscal 2026 revenue of 3.8 trillion yen (£18.8 billion) and business profit of 650 billion yen (£3 billion).