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 autumn and winter collections and against a backdrop of intense competition in the fashion industry.

Inditex said growth had slowed to 9% in the five weeks to 9 December. This compares with a 14% jump in sales a year ago.

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.