Uniqlo's July sales falls 4.2 pct, hurt by weather

TOKYO Aug 4 (Reuters) - Fast Retailing (9983.T) said on Tuesday same-store sales at its Uniqlo casual-clothing chain in Japan fell 4.2 percent in July, the first drop in nine months, hit by unseasonably rainy weather.

The company has been one of very few winners among Japan's major retailers amid the recession, logging strong monthly sales growth by attracting thrifty consumers.

The company said last month was rainier and cooler than average, hurting sales of summer items. Strong store sales in July last year also made for a tough year-on-year comparison. The firm has forecast 9.3 percent same-store sales growth for the second half ending in August, while its sales growth for March-July come in at 9.8 percent. (Reporting by Taiga Uranaka)