Lojas Renner sales grow by double digits despite weak Brazil economy

SAO PAULO, July 1 (Reuters) - Lojas Renner SA, Brazil's fastest-growing major retailer, increased same-store sales by double digits in the second quarter despite a likely economic recession, Chief Executive Officer José Gallo said on Wednesday.

Gallo did not say exactly how much sales had grown from a year earlier at stores open for at least 12 months. He added that he expects a "more challenging" macroeconomic environment in the second half of this year.

(Reporting by Luciana Bruno; Writing by Brad Haynes; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)