H&M

H&M, officially known as H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, is a Swedish multinational clothing retail company founded in 1947 by Erling Persson in Västerås, Sweden. Initially established as a women's clothing store named "Hennes," the company expanded in 1968 by acquiring Mauritz Widforss, a hunting apparel retailer. This acquisition introduced menswear and rebranded the company as Hennes & Mauritz.

Over several decades, H&M has grown into one of the world's leading fashion retailers. It operates over 4,000 stores in more than 75 markets and offers online sales in 60 markets. The company provides a broad range of products including clothing, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, and home textiles for men, women, and children.

Brands and Product Range

H&M's diverse portfolio encompasses several brands, each with its unique identity:

• H&M: The flagship brand offering a broad selection of fashion items.
• COS: Known for its minimalist and timeless designs.
• Monki: Features playful and creative styles.
• Weekday: Offers contemporary and urban fashion.
• & Other Stories: Provides a mix of feminine and edgy designs.
• Afound: Focuses on discounted fashion finds.
• Arket: Emphasizes modern-day essentials with a Nordic touch.
• H&M Home: Specializes in home textiles and décor.

Business Model

H&M's business model is characterized by its fast fashion approach, which enables the quick transition of the latest trends from runway to store shelves. This agility is supported by a global supply chain sourcing products from countries including China, Bangladesh, and India.

Commitment to Sustainability

In recent years, H&M has strongly focused on sustainability. The company aims to make fashion sustainable and sustainability fashionable by leveraging its size and scale to drive industry-wide development towards a more circular, fair, and equal fashion sector.

As of 2024, H&M Group reported net sales of 200 billion SEK. Remarkably, 80% of its commercial products are made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, with 29.5% of these being recycled materials.

Locations and Global Presence

H&M maintains a significant global footprint with stores in major cities worldwide. The countries with the highest store counts include the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, H&M operates numerous stores across various states, offering a wide range of fashion products.

Specific location:

• New Orleans, LA, USA

Summary

From a single women's clothing store, H&M has evolved into a global fashion powerhouse. It offers a diverse range of products through its multiple brands. The company’s commitment to sustainability and adaptability to market trends have been essential to its ongoing success.