Clothing chain Uniqlo has said it expects to see a sales boost this year as shoppers buy lighter clothing during the summer as a result of rising temperatures.

Shoppers have been turning air conditioners on low to conserve power after government officials asked businesses and households in greater Tokyo and northeast Japan to cut electricity use by up to 15% during the summer. Fast Retailing group executive Naoki Otama said that the power shortage was “a huge opportunity for the apparel industry. People are changing the way they dress – not just at work, but at home”.