The Japanese retail group Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. presented strong results on Thursday for the 2024/25 financial year, which ended at the end of August. Sales rose compared to the previous year by 9.6 percent to 3.40 trillion yen (around 20 billion euros). Net profit attributable to shareholders grew by 16.4 percent to 433 billion yen (2.55 billion euros).
Fast Retailing was able to present new record figures for the fourth year in a row. According to its own statements, the company had actively invested in global growth. Last year the investment volume rose to 171.9 billion yen (1.01 billion euros). The focus was on opening new branches and automated warehousing.
Despite losses in China: Uniqlo International achieves further record results
The Uniqlo International segment set further records last year. Its sales rose by 11.6 percent to 1.91 trillion yen, and operating profit increased by 10.6 percent to 305.3 billion yen.
However, the results varied in the individual markets. Uniqlo recorded losses in sales and a sharp decline in profits in the Greater China region. In contrast, revenues and profits increased significantly in South Korea, Southeast Asia, India and Australia. Overall, total sales in South Korea, Southeast Asia, India and combined sales increased 14.6 percent to 619.4 billion yen. Operating profit in this region amounted to 116.9 billion yen, an increase of 20.5 percent.
Uniqlo can continue to grow strongly in Europe and the USA
The Uniqlo North America and Uniqlo Europe divisions achieved significant increases in sales and profits. In North America, sales were 271.1 billion yen, representing growth of 24.5 percent year-on-year. The operating result there increased by 35.1 percent to 44.2 billion yen.
In Europe, sales amounted to 369.5 billion yen, exceeding the previous year’s level by 33.6 percent. Operating profit grew by 23.7 percent to 54.2 billion yen. According to the parent company, both regions benefited from successful new stores that served as “media beacons” to increase brand awareness and e-commerce sales. Uniqlo was also able to absorb the costs of additional US tariffs. This was achieved by reviewing product prices, reducing discounts and introducing stricter cost controls.
Uniqlo Japan also had a record year, with sales exceeding one trillion yen for the first time. It was 1.03 trillion yen, growing by 10.1 percent. On a like-for-like basis, revenue including online business rose by 8.1 percent. Operating profit in the domestic market increased by 17.5 percent to 181.3 billion yen.
The Group brand GU was able to increase its annual sales by 3.6 percent to 330.7 billion yen. However, their operating profit shrank by 12.6 percent to 28.3 billion yen (170 million euros).
The group wants to further strengthen Uniqlo’s international business
The group will continue to rely on Uniqlo International as a growth engine in the future. Further new branches and progress in product development should contribute to this. Fast Retailing currently expects the group’s store network to total 3,594 stores by the end of August 2026.
The group said it was also increasing its sustainability efforts as part of the LifeWear concept. One of the most important initiatives is the “Re.Uniqlo” program, which is intended to extend the lifespan of clothing. Repair and refurbishment services are now available in 63 branches in 22 countries. According to the group, the proportion of materials with lower greenhouse gas emissions in the spring/summer 2025 collection was 17 percent of all materials used.
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