Inditex SA said its crucial holiday shopping season is off to a good start with rising sales in recent weeks as people stock up on presents and going-out outfits.

By Corina Pons and Helen Reid MADRID (Reuters) -Zara owner Inditex posted a rare miss on third-quarter sales on Wednesday but the world's biggest listed fast-fashion retailer said the holiday shopping season had got off to a good start.

Inditex reported an increase in sales at the start of its final quarter, helped by its autumn and winter collections and against a backdrop of intense competition in the fashion industry.

INDITEX, the owner of Zara, reported slower sales growth at the outset of the crucial holiday shopping season. Read more at The Business Times.

The Spanish group, whose other brands include Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear and Bershka, reported a profit after tax of 1.68 billion euros ($1.77 billion) for the third quarter, up six percent from the s

Zara owner Inditex has reported strong trading over the start of the Christmas season, with revenues 9% in the six weeks to December 9 as the world's biggest fast-fashion retailer kept drawing in shoppers even as rivals struggled.