Fast Retailing shares drop 3.4% as Japan same-store sales fall 1.3%

Fast Retailing shares fell 3.4% to ¥68,040 on Thursday after its August 2026 same-store sales in Japan dropped 1.3% year-on-year, ending two consecutive months of growth. The decline was driven by a 9.1% fall in customer traffic, as cooler-than-normal weather dampened demand for summer clothing, despite average spending per visitor rising 8.6%. The company's performance also lagged comparable specialty clothing retailers, raising concerns about market share. For the full fiscal year ending August 2026, cumulative same-store sales remain up 5.1%, offering some buffer, but the monthly reversal triggered a second straight session of heavy selling. The Nikkei 225 traded sideways, providing no market relief.