Japanese clothing giant Fast Retailing reported record sales and profit for the six months through February, mainly thanks to brisk sales overseas.
The operator of Uniqlo outlets on Thursday said its consolidated revenue for the period rose 9 percent from a year earlier to 1.59 trillion yen. That's more than 10 billion dollars.
Net profit rose 27.7 percent to 195.9 billion yen, or nearly 1.3 billion dollars.
The company says sales were strong in Europe and the United States as it gained better brand recognition, helped by the addition of new stores. Demand rose in Southeast Asia for underclothing.
In China, sales were stagnant due to milder winter temperatures and worsening consumer confidence.
The company says it will review its China sales strategy.
Sales in Japan dipped about 3 percent from the same period last year as warmer weather reduced demand for winter apparel.