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Founded in 1947 by Erling Persson, H&M, or Hennes & Mauritz AB, has grown into one of the world's leading fashion brands. What started as a single store in Västerås, Sweden, has now become a global empire with thousands of stores and an online presence in over 60 countries.
Erling Persson initially named the store "Hennes," which means "hers" in Swedish, as it exclusively sold women's clothing. In 1968, the brand expanded its offerings by acquiring Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store. This acquisition not only introduced men's clothing into the collection but also led to the renaming of the brand to Hennes & Mauritz, eventually shortened to H&M.
The 1970s marked the beginning of H&M's international expansion. The first store outside Sweden opened in Norway in 1964, followed by the United Kingdom in 1976. The brand continued to spread across Europe and eventually launched in the United States in 2000. Today, H&M is a household name in fashion, known for its affordable and trendy clothing.
In recent years, H&M has focused heavily on sustainability and innovation. The company has introduced initiatives like the "Conscious Collection," which uses sustainable materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. H&M also encourages customers to recycle their old clothes through in-store recycling programs, reinforcing its commitment to reducing fashion's environmental impact.
H&M's collaborations with high-profile designers and celebrities have also made waves in the fashion industry. Iconic partnerships with figures like Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Beyoncé have brought exclusive, high-fashion collections to the masses, solidifying H&M's reputation as a trendsetter.
As H&M continues to evolve, the brand remains focused on its core values of quality, sustainability, and accessibility. With a strong online presence and a commitment to innovation, H&M is poised to remain a leader in the global fashion industry for years to come.