Fast Retailing Co. on Thursday raised its full-year profit forecast by 13 percent on the back of robust growth across Asia, as the owner of clothing chain Uniqlo continues to chase the top spot in global apparel sales.
Asia's biggest clothing retailer now expects operating profit for the year through August to reach ¥225 billion ($2.11 billion) from ¥200 billion previously.
Asia has become a major growth driver for Uniqlo as its affordable clothing lines, including breezy Airism innerwear and lightweight down jackets, grow in popularity in China and Southeast Asia.