H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, is one of the best-known fashion retailers in the world. Founded in Sweden in 1947 by Erling Persson, the brand offers clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products and home decor for women, men and children, with a clear promise: to make fashion and style accessible to as many people as possible, at affordable prices and in a more sustainable way.
From Västerås to global fashion leader
It all began with a small women’s clothing store called Hennes, meaning “hers” in Swedish, which opened in Västerås. In 1968, the acquisition of the hunting and fishing equipment store Mauritz Widforss allowed the company to expand into menswear and gave birth to the H&M name. The brand moved beyond Scandinavia in 1976 with a store in London, then continued a steady international expansion.
Today, the group operates around 4,000 stores worldwide and generates nearly a third of its sales online. It ranks among the two largest fashion retailers on the planet, with stores in most major cities and shopping centers across Europe, the Americas, Asia and beyond.
Trendy fashion for the whole family
The H&M catalog covers every style and occasion: everyday basics, trendy pieces, evening wear, sportswear with the H&M Move line, lingerie, maternity wear, as well as kids’ and baby clothing. Collections are refreshed very regularly to keep up with the latest trends, giving shoppers a good reason to come back often.
The brand is also famous for its designer collaborations, which began in 2004 with Karl Lagerfeld and were followed by Versace, Balmain, Lanvin and Mugler, among others. These highly anticipated limited editions let fans enjoy designer creations at reduced prices. H&M Home completes the offer with bed linen, tableware and decorative items.
A family of brands and a responsible approach
Beyond its flagship brand, the H&M group brings together several labels with distinct identities: COS for minimalist, timeless fashion, Arket for durable everyday essentials, & Other Stories for more feminine designs and Weekday for an urban style inspired by Scandinavian culture.
The group also highlights its environmental initiatives: growing use of recycled or more sustainably sourced materials, an in-store garment collection program that gives used clothes a second life, repair services and the development of second-hand offers. These commitments meet the expectations of shoppers who are increasingly mindful of the impact of their purchases.
The H&M Member program and shopping experience
Joining the H&M Member loyalty program is free and unlocks many benefits: points earned on every purchase that can be converted into vouchers, exclusive offers, a birthday treat, early access to selected sales and free delivery above a certain order amount.
The H&M app, available for free on iOS and Android, makes everyday shopping easier with wish lists, notifications about new arrivals and order tracking. Customers can order online and choose home delivery, pick-up point delivery or in-store collection, with the option to return items in store. This seamless omnichannel experience makes H&M a reliable choice for dressing well on a budget.