One of the worlds largest clothe retailers Inditex has reported 12 percent increase in sales in the first half of the year. The net sales rise stood at 6,209 million euros in the first half of 2011. Inditex is owner of Zara brand. The other brands include &Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Uterqüe. The net income for the period was 717 million euros, up 14 percent.
The Group opened 177 stores in 35 countries during the first six months of the year, bringing the total across its 78 markets to 5,221. The Group continues to see growth opportunities around the world. In terms of the geographic sales mix, Europe accounted for 45% of the total, Spain for 26%, Asia for 17% and the Americas for 12% in this period. On 7 September, meanwhile, Zara launched its online sales platform in the US, and the launch date for internet shopping in Japan is set for 20 October. In the coming months, Zara plans to enter new markets, including South Africa, Taiwan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Peru.