Business concept

H&M’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price.

Values

H&M’s values are the foundation for a multicultural company in a multicultural market where great respect is paid to the individual and everyone is represented.

Strategy

H&M is driven by strong values such as salesmanship, simplicity, constant improvements, cost-consciousness and entrepreneurship. H&M’s own designers interpret fashion trends and create fashions that are accessible to all. The stores are revitalised daily with new items.

Quality is a central issue, from the idea stage all the way to the end customer. The quality work includes extensive testing, as well as ensuring that the goods are produced with the least possible environmental impact and under good working conditions.

H&M does not own any production factories. Production of goods is outsourced to independent suppliers, primarily in Asia and Europe, through H&M’s local production offices. Nor does H&M own its stores. Instead H&M rents store space from international and local landlords.

H & M around the world

H&M was established in 1947 and has grown over decades. It expanded substantially in recent years and at present they have around 2 000 stores spread over 35 markets employing 73 000 employees all working to the same philosophy: to bring fashion and quality at the best price. 

In Poland and in the CE region H & M has around 100 stores and is growing rapidly.

Growth

The turnover in 2008 was SEK 104 041 million. Since 2002 the gross sales have increased by 95 percent and profit after tax by 169 percent.

Growth target

H&M’s growth target is to increase the number of stores by 10 – 15 percent per year, while increasing sales in existing stores. The growth, which will be financed entirely with the company’s own funds, will proceed with an emphasis on quality and continued high profitability.