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.

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

By Corina Pons and Helen Reid 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.

The world’s largest listed fast-fashion retailer, Inditex (BME:ITX), the parent company of Zara, reported a slightly underwhelming third-quarter performance on Wednesday, falling short of analyst expectations.