Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. announced its domestic sales figures for March 2013 on the 2nd.

Sales at 761 existing UNIQLO stores in Japan (stores that were in operation from the beginning of the previous fiscal year through the end of the current fiscal year) increased 23.1% year-on-year. Sales at 825 directly operated stores (existing stores, stores that were in operation for less than a year as of the end of the previous fiscal year, and new stores opened during the current fiscal year) increased 24.4% year-on-year. Sales at directly operated stores and direct sales (mail order and corporate sales combined) also increased 22.9% year-on-year, significantly exceeding the previous year in all metrics. This is the first time since October 2009 that existing store sales have increased by more than 20% year-on-year.

The increase in sales was due to warmer temperatures than last year, which led to strong sales of key spring bottoms and the new functional underwear brand "Airism." Uniqlo, which positions "Airism" as a brand comparable to "Heattech," has expanded the colors, patterns, and sizes available this spring, and has also added deodorizing functionality to its women's line, strengthening its product appeal. This sales strategy bore fruit in March's sales. Meanwhile, while customer numbers in each tally showed an increase of more than 30%, average customer spending remains below the previous year. Average customer spending at existing stores (direct sales and directly managed stores) was down 6.4%. Hot new products sell reliably, but they have yet to regain the momentum they once had, inducing large impulse purchases and bulk buying.