H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, is a Swedish multinational clothing-retail company known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children. Founded in 1947 by Erling Persson in Västerås, Sweden, the brand has grown to become one of the most recognized names in the fashion industry. With its headquarters in Stockholm, H&M operates in 74 countries with over 5,000 stores under its various brands.
H&M began as a single womenswear store in Sweden. The name "Hennes" means "hers" in Swedish, reflecting the store's original focus on women's clothing. In 1968, the company expanded its offerings by acquiring Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store, leading to the addition of menswear to its product line and the renaming to Hennes & Mauritz (H&M).
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, H&M continued to expand across Europe, opening stores in new countries and entering the children's fashion market. The 1990s marked the beginning of H&M's global presence, with stores opening in the United States and Asia. Today, H&M is known for its commitment to affordability and style, offering trendy designs at reasonable prices.
In recent years, H&M has made significant strides in sustainability. The company has launched various initiatives to promote eco-friendly fashion, such as the Conscious Collection, which uses sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. H&M also encourages customers to recycle their old clothes through its garment collecting initiative.
To further support sustainability, H&M has committed to becoming fully circular and climate positive by 2030. This ambitious goal involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of sustainable materials, and promoting circular fashion practices.
H&M offers a wide range of products, from everyday basics to couture-inspired pieces. To get a detailed overview of H&M's diverse product line, you can check out this electronic sheet
Whether you're shopping for the latest trends or timeless classics, H&M has something for everyone. The brand's ability to adapt to changing fashion trends while maintaining affordability has solidified its place as a leader in the fast-fashion industry.