Introduction

H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, is a Swedish multinational retail company known for its fast-fashion clothing. Founded in 1947 by Erling Persson, H&M has grown into one of the largest fashion retailers in the world. The brand is synonymous with trendy, affordable, and sustainable fashion for men, women, teens, and children.

The Origins of H&M

The first store, originally named "Hennes," opened in Västerås, Sweden, as a women's clothing retailer. The name later evolved to "Hennes & Mauritz" after Persson acquired Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store, in 1968, expanding the brand into menswear. The familiar acronym "H&M" became official in 1974.

H&M's international expansion began in the 1970s, opening stores in Norway and the UK. By the 2000s, the brand had spread to major markets like the U.S., China, and Japan.

H&M's Business Model

H&M's success lies in its fast-fashion approach – quickly bringing runway trends to stores at budget-friendly prices. Unlike traditional retailers, H&M uses a vertically integrated supply chain, allowing rapid design-to-retail turnaround.

Sustainability is another key focus. Through initiatives like garment recycling (Conscious Collection) and efforts to use 100% recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030, H&M appeals to eco-conscious consumers.

H&M Products and Collaborations

H&M offers a wide variety of products, from daily wear to exclusive designer collaborations with names like Balmain, Versace, and Virgil Abloh. Their featured product lineup

For detailed information, including pricing, sizes, and seasonal trends, refer to this digital spreadsheet