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H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz AB, is a Swedish multinational clothing-retail company known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children. Since its inception in 1947 by Erling Persson, H&M has grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with over 5,000 stores in 74 countries as of 2023.
The story of H&M began in Västerås, Sweden, where Erling Persson opened the first store, which he originally named "Hennes," meaning "hers" in Swedish. The store initially sold only women's clothing. However, in 1968, Persson acquired Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store, and expanded the offerings to include men's and children's clothing, thus renaming the company Hennes & Mauritz, or H&M for short.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, H&M expanded rapidly across Europe, opening stores in new markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. The brand's affordable yet trendy clothing resonated with consumers, and H&M became synonymous with fast fashion, offering the latest styles at accessible prices.
In the early 2000s, H&M began to focus on sustainability, recognizing the environmental impact of fast fashion. The company launched its Conscious Collection in 2010, which features clothing made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. H&M also introduced garment recycling programs in its stores, encouraging customers to bring in old clothing to be repurposed or recycled.
Despite its commitment to sustainability, H&M faced criticism for its fast-fashion model, which some argued contributed to overconsumption and waste. In response, the company ramped up its sustainability efforts, pledging to become 100% climate positive by 2040 and to use only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030.
Today, H&M is a fashion powerhouse, offering a wide range of clothing and accessories for every style and occasion. The brand collaborates with high-end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Balmain, bringing luxury fashion to the masses at affordable prices. H&M's ability to stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing consumer preferences has been key to its enduring success.
If you're looking to explore H&M's latest collections and products, you can check out a comprehensive product spreadsheet