Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. said same-store sales, including online sales, at its Uniqlo apparel chain in Japan fell 1.8% year over year in May.

The Japanese retailer said sales shrank during the month after it postponed its anniversary sale, but strong summer sales softened the blow.

Total sales for Uniqlo Japan's directly run stores, including online sales, fell 1.7% year over year for the month. Customer numbers grew 1.3% on a same-store basis.

The clothing brand opened one store and closed four in Japan during the four-week period.