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.

Zara owner Inditex posted a rare miss on quarterly sales and profit on Wednesday, although the world's biggest listed fast-fashion retailer said the holiday shopping season had got off to a good start.

MADRID (Reuters) -Zara owner Inditex posted a rare miss on quarterly sales and profit on Wednesday, although the world's biggest listed fast-fashion retailer said the holiday shopping season had got off to a good start.