Tag Archives: Karl-Johan Persson

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H&M opens on Tmall in spring 2018

H&M opens on Tmall, the world’s largest e-commerce platform, during spring 2018

Stockholm, SWEDEN, 2017-Dec-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M opened its first store in mainland China 10 years ago. Today H&M group revenues in China amount to SEK 11 billion (approximately USD 1.3 billion) in more than 500 physical stores and online. The H&M group brand Monki has had a strong development in China since its launch on Tmall and the collaboration between the two groups is now being extended to include both the H&M brand and H&M Home. There are also far advanced discussions regarding the launch of the remaining brands in the H&M group on Tmall.

“As one of the world’s most innovative fashion companies, H&M is a perfect fit for Alibaba’s Tmall platform,” says Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group. “We are honored to expand our cooperation with H&M and host their flagship store, enabling H&M brands to engage with our half a billion consumers.”

“We are very happy to be able to make H&M even more accessible in mainland China. Tmall is an important complement to our existing physical and digital stores. We see great potential for substantial future growth and Tmall will be an important part of this,” says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of the H&M group.

SOURCE: H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB

Head of Media Relations
Katarina Kempe
+46 8 5780 85 54

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H&M group’s sales increased by 7 percent in June 2017 compared to same month the previous year

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2017-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 7 percent in local currencies in June 2017 compared to the same month the previous year. Converted into SEK sales increased by 10 percent.

The total number of stores in the group amounted to 4,517 on 30 June 2017 compared to 4,095 stores on 30 June 2016.

The H&M group has decided to arrange Capital Markets Days during which more in-depth information about the business will be given and has also decided – in consultation with its large institutional shareholders – to publish the group’s sales development per quarter instead of per month. Just as previously, sales for the quarter will be published ahead of each interim report as the percentage change in local currencies and in Swedish kronor as well as in absolute figures in Swedish kronor, both including and excluding VAT.

The reasoning is that a month is far too short a period over which to assess how sales are developing; in fact, a single month’s sales can actually be misleading, since calendar and weather effects – among other things – may significantly affect the outcome. Instead sales development should be viewed over a longer period of time, such as over a season or a quarter. This is also the reason why the majority of companies in fashion retail currently report their sales quarterly rather than monthly.

Following the publication of sales development for June 2017, the H&M group will typically publish quarterly sales figures on the 15th of the month in which an interim report is presented. Third quarter sales will therefore be published on 15 September 2017. Sales figures for the fourth quarter will be published on 15 December 2017. More information on Capital Markets Days will be provided at a later date.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

Head of Media Relations:
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

Source: H&M

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H&M group announces 7% sales increase in June 2017 compared to same month the previous year

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2017-Jul-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 7 percent in local currencies in June 2017 compared to the same month the previous year. Converted into SEK sales increased by 10 percent.

The total number of stores in the group amounted to 4,517 on 30 June 2017 compared to 4,095 stores on
30 June 2016.

The H&M group has decided to arrange Capital Markets Days during which more in-depth information about the business will be given and has also decided – in consultation with its large institutional shareholders – to publish the group’s sales development per quarter instead of per month. Just as previously, sales for the quarter will be published ahead of each interim report as the percentage change in local currencies and in Swedish kronor as well as in absolute figures in Swedish kronor, both including and excluding VAT.

The reasoning is that a month is far too short a period over which to assess how sales are developing; in fact, a single month’s sales can actually be misleading, since calendar and weather effects – among other things – may significantly affect the outcome. Instead sales development should be viewed over a longer period of time, such as over a season or a quarter. This is also the reason why the majority of companies in fashion retail currently report their sales quarterly rather than monthly.

Following the publication of sales development for June 2017, the H&M group will typically publish quarterly sales figures on the 15th of the month in which an interim report is presented. Third quarter sales will therefore be published on 15 September 2017. Sales figures for the fourth quarter will be published on 15 December 2017. More information on Capital Markets Days will be provided at a later date.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

Head of Media Relations:
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

Source: H&M

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H&M Foundation makes new commitment to improving education, clean water and women’s economic empowerment

Stockholm, SWEDEN, 2017-May-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — With a donation of $20.5 million and three new Global Programs the non-profit H&M Foundation makes a new strong commitment to long-lasting improvements in education, clean water and women’s economic empowerment. The goal is not only to transform lives for some of the world’s poorest, but also to influence national, regional and global agendas to work towards an equal society.

The new three-year partnerships with UNICEF (Education), WaterAid (Clean water) and CARE (Women’s economic empowerment) build on the achievements and learnings made in the previous Global Programs which ended in January 2017. With this new pledge, the total donation since 2014 to the Global Programs is 360 million Swedish krona ($41 million/€37 million).

So far, over 100,000 children are reached with education, over 250,000 school children have access to clean water and toilets and 100,000 women are empowered to start or expand their businesses. In addition, dialogues with governments have resulted in more resources to education and implementation of clean water, improved hygiene and sanitation in some of the poorest parts of the world. Due to the success of these programs, a renewed three-year commitment is now made.

“We’ve seen that our programs can make real change and that makes both the H&M Foundation and our partner organizations very eager to move into the next gear. With our insights from the first three years, we are well-equipped to create even more impact together in the years to come.“

Diana Amini, Global Manager, H&M Foundation

To make even more impact, all three programs include a component to break new ground. UNICEF will develop a tool to highlight the relevance of Early Childhood Development efforts for tolerance, cooperation and respect to prevent conflicts and bring communities together. CARE will launch a pioneering Global Report on the economic and social value of investing in women’s enterprise development and WaterAid will share learnings and best practice on how to deliver long lasting access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“There is a constant need for new partnerships and innovative solutions and the H&M Foundation will continue to be a catalyst for positive change for the planet, communities and people. It is a long-term commitment from my family and this work has just begun,” says Karl-Johan Persson, Board member, H&M Foundation and CEO H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB.

In a recently launched Impact Report 2013-2016, H&M Foundation has compiled all its efforts so far, and the progress is also described in a short film.

ABOUT H&M FOUNDATION

The H&M Foundation is a non-profit global foundation, privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of H&M. Its mission is to drive long lasting positive change and improve living conditions by investing in people, communities and innovative ideas. Through partnerships with organizations around the globe, the H&M Foundation drives change within four focus areas; Education, Water, Equality and Planet. In addition to this, the Foundation can also provide emergency relief. Since 2013, the Stefan Persson family has donated 1.1 billion Swedish krona (USD 154 million/EUR 123 million) to the Foundation.

For more information, visit hmfoundation.com.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Global Program Goals – 2017-2020

UNICEF

  • Reach 145,000 children, parents, teachers and influencers with Early Childhood Development programs, so that every child can have the best start in life.
  • Facilitate collaboration within national ministries in four countries to enable implementation of Early Childhood Development services.
  • Develop a tool to highlight the relevance of Early Childhood Development efforts for tolerance, cooperation and respect to prevent conflicts and bring communities together.

WATERAID

  • Give 150,000 people access to water and sanitation services in some of the world’s poorest communities.
  • Improve systems for delivering sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services in four countries.
  • Launch a Global Report to share learnings and best practice on how to deliver long lasting access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

CARE

  • Empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs from low-income communities worldwide to develop and grow their business.
  • Showcase successful business models in 7 countries to inspire women to become entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the right conditions to succeed.
  • Launch a pioneering Global Report on the economic and social value of investing in women’s enterprise development.

Quotes from partner organizations

”Nearly 250 million children under the age of five in developing countries are at risk of poor development. We rely on support from our partners to reach the most vulnerable and excluded children to help change their life paths. UNICEF is grateful to the H&M Foundation for its ongoing support helping to make sure babies and children experience the love, good nutrition, stimulation through play and early learning, and protection they need in the critical early moments,” says UNICEF Chief of Early Childhood Development Pia Britto.

“Today, 900 children under five die every day from diahorrea caused by dirty water and poor sanitation. This is something WaterAid is passionate to change. With the funding from the H&M Foundation we will be able to transform the lives of some of the world’s poorest people by improving their wellbeing and living conditions – not only today but tomorrow and for many years to come. This will take us one step closer to our vision where everyone everywhere have safe water, adequate toilets and improved hygiene,” says Cecilia Chatterjee-Martinsen, Chief Executive WaterAid Sweden.

“We now know that women from poor communities have the potential to become successful entrepreneurs and take control of their lives. Through our partnership with the H&M Foundation, we will support a further 100,000 women entrepreneurs across the globe, helping them from survival to success. It is fascinating to see how women gain power once they believe in themselves,” says Reintje van Haeringen, Director, CARE Nederland.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Malin Björne
PR & Communications Manager, H&M Foundation
malin.bjorne@hmfoundation.com
+46 70 796 39 75

Source: H&M

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Business of Fashion’s first ever annual report names H&M among the top global employers

Business of Fashion’s first ever annual report names H&M among the top global employers

 

H&M has made the Business of Fashion’s first ever annual report on The Best Companies to work for in Fashion in 2017, which spotlights the top global employers in the industry today.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2017-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — “H&M’s commitment to being a great employer is made possible by listening to our employee’s feedback in order to make positive impacts to our organization. H&M’s values come together to form a culture where everyone can work together at a fast pace and rely on each individual’s unique knowledge, skills and experience.” says Helena Thybell, Global Head of HR of the H&M group.

Today (24 APR, 2017) the H&M group has over 161,000 employees globally and aims for diversity across all of its teams. Diversity creates positive energy, contributes to innovation and creativity and improves the ability to deal with change. Employees being their unique selves are highly valued and is an integral part of the company culture. H&M believes in early responsibility and from day one fosters an environment where it is possible to grow internally in a career in retail based on each employee’s individual strengths.

“At H&M we believe that our colleagues are one of our greatest strengths that contributed to our success and growth. We truly believe that working at H&M is not just a job but a long term career in the fashion industry,” says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of the H&M group.

The Business of Fashion surveyed over 2,600 industry professionals, representing more than 190 leading fashion companies from around the world, for their first annual report on The Best Companies To Work For In Fashion. The report provides an objective assessment of the top global fashion employers based on 29 different data points and detailed qualitative feedback gathered. Employee sentiments were measured across three main indices: rewards and benefits; leadership and development; and working culture and environment. Based on overall performance, 16 companies were identified as the top performers and champions in one or more of these key areas.

For the full list of The Best Companies to Work for in Fashion 2017 please visit: businessoffashion.com/careers/best-fashion-companies-to-work-for/2017

Contact:

Phone: +46 8 796 55 00
Fax: +46 8 20 99 19

Source: H&M

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H&M Foundation announces winners of its annual innovation challenge Global Change Award

Stockholm, SWEDEN, 2017-Apr-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — The public have cast their votes. On April 5, at a ceremony in Stockholm City Hall, the five winners of H&M Foundation’s annual innovation challenge Global Change Award were awarded. The 1 million euro grant was split between them by the global public in an online vote. In addition, a trend report is released today (6 APR, 2017) highlighting learnings about the future of sustainable fashion by looking at the thousands of disruptive ideas from 130 different countries.

To speed up the shift to a circular waste-free fashion industry, the non-profit H&M Foundation initiated Global Change Award in 2015, calling for game-changing ideas that can help reinvent the entire industry.The online vote was held 27 March to 2 April, and the votes are placed:

  • €300,000: Innovation: Grape Leather, Team lead: Rossella Longobardo, Italy
  • €250,000: Innovation: Solar Textiles, Team lead: Miguel A. Modestino, US/Switzerland
  • €150,000: Innovation: Content Thread, Team lead: Natasha Franck, US/UK
  • €150,000: Innovation: Denim-dyed Denim, Team lead: Xungai Wang, Australia
  • €150,000: Innovation: Manure Couture, Team lead: Jalila Essaidi, The Netherlands

“We are deeply glad that such a prestigious Foundation recognised the value of our innovation and strongly believed in it. Our first objectives will consist in switching from a pilot to an industrial scale production our fabric and starting a green, cruelty-free revolution within the leather industry, finally solving its related issues and overexploitations,” says Rossella Longobardo from the team behind Wine Leather (“Grape Leather”).

“The Global Change Award is the first of its kind challenge for early stage innovation in fashion and we are impressed by the level of bold creativity and disruptive innovation shown by the five award winners.”

Jill Standish, Senior Managing Director of Retail at Accenture

“I congratulate all five winning teams. They have the potential to help reinvent the fashion industry, enabling products and resources to have more than one life. Winning the Global Change Award gives you a boost through funding, coaching, industry access and validation that you probably can’t find elsewhere. If you want to help reinvent one of the largest industries in the world, this is the place to go,” says Karl-Johan Persson, Board member of H&M Foundation and CEO of H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB.

The award ceremony on April 5 marked the beginning of a one year innovation accelerator, provided by the H&M Foundation in collaboration with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The program will help the winners develop their ideas, focusing on three main areas; circular economy, innovation and fashion industry connection.

“Consumer expectations for more sustainable products are placing an emphasis on the industry to fundamentally re-examine and re-design the entire fashion value chain. The Global Change Award is the first of its kind challenge for early stage innovation in fashion and we are impressed by the level of bold creativity and disruptive innovation shown by the five award winners. We are passionate about helping them further develop their inspiring ideas through the Accelerator program, to support them in driving the change towards a circular fashion industry,” said Jill Standish, Senior Managing Director of Retail at Accenture.

“Sustainable development is one of KTH’s pillars and as a world-class university of technology we’re an obvious engine and knowledge hub for this. These five amazing innovations can contribute in building a sustainable future and we look forward to kick off the one year accelerator program with the winners,” says Sigbritt Karlsson, President of KTH.

Global Change Award has quickly become the fashion industry’s hot spot for circular innovation, and now a Trend Report gathering the learnings so far is released today by Accenture and the H&M Foundation. It puts the spotlight on what to learn about the future of sustainable fashion by looking at the disruptive ideas from 130 countries competing in the Global Change Award. The report outlines interesting findings and trends within circular fashion and open innovation, based on analytics performed on the close to 3,000 applications submitted for the second Global Change Award.

MORE INFORMATION, VISUAL MATERIAL & TREND REPORT:

Press material: globalchangeaward.com/press

Trend Report: https://issuu.com/globalchangeaward/docs/global_change_award_-_trend_report

Images and films from the Grand Award Ceremony: https://app.frame.io?p=l3weYtle (supports Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Opera).

GCA YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCnO-mFsN63PuuYzI0XgIR1A

Global Change Award is an innovation challenge initiated by the non-profit H&M Foundation in 2015. In September 2016, the second round was launched. By catalyzing early innovations that can accelerate the shift from a linear to a circular fashion industry, the aim is to protect the planet and our living conditions. Global Change Award is one of the world’s biggest challenges for early stage innovation and the first such initiative in the fashion industry. Neither the H&M Foundation nor the company H&M take any equity or intellectual property rights in the innovations. The aim is to influence the fashion industry as a whole. For further information, please visit globalchangeaward.com.

H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of H&M. Since 2013, the family has donated SEK 1.1 billion ($154 million, €123 million) to the foundation, aiming to improve living conditions for people on a global scale. For more information, please visit hmfoundation.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Malin Björne
PR & Communications Manager
H&M Foundation
malin.bjorne@hmfoundation.com
+46 70 796 39 75

Source: H&M

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H&M recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the world’s most ethical companies

H&M has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the seventh year in a row.

Stockholm, SWEDEN, 2017-Mar-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — It’s a great honour for H&M to be named one of the world’s most ethical companies. Our commitment to be ethical throughout our operations is firmly rooted in our values and key for our work to lead the change towards a sustainable fashion future”, said Karl-Johan Persson, CEO at H&M.

Each year Ethisphere honours companies who recognize their role in society to influence and drive positive change and use their values and culture as an underpinning to the decisions they make every day.

“The fact that this is the seventh time H&M is recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies proves its commitment to set ethical standards and practices in the fashion industry. Their way of working is a proof of ethical and sustainable values are a prerequisite for business success. Congratulations to everyone at H&M”, said Timothy Erblich, CEO at Ethisphere.

The full list of the 2017 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at http://worldsmostethicalcompanies.ethisphere.com/honorees/.

SOURCE: H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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H&M CEO Karl-Johan Persson awarded Sustainable Leadership Award by NMC Nätverket för Hållbart Näringsliv

H&M CEO Karl-Johan Persson awarded Sustainable Leadership Award by NMC Nätverket för Hållbart Näringsliv
H&M CEO Karl-Johan Persson awarded Sustainable Leadership Award by NMC Nätverket för Hållbart Näringsliv

 

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Oct-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — NMC highlights Karl-Johan Persson’s courage to lead the fashion industry towards increased sustainability and systematic change. He is described as a source of inspiration for the entire fashion industry, within Sweden and globally.

“There is no doubt that this is a leader prioritising to push for long-term change when it comes to improving working conditions and closing the loop.”

Ylva Öhrnell, Chairman of NMC

NMC is also emphasising the importance of collaborating with others as well as anchoring the sustainability work with the top management to be able to work successfully with sustainability and thereby contribute to real change.

“For H&M, a sustainable leadership is about leading the way and about working long-term, instead of choosing simple solutions not leading to lasting change. This is key not only to a sustainable leadership but also for a sustainable approach in general. It’s a great honour to receive this award, but without dedicated colleagues striving to be at the forefront, this would not have been possible”, says Karl-Johan Persson.

The award was presented in Stockholm on October 13. For more information and images please read the NMC press release.

Press Enquiries:

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

Source: H&M

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H&M group announces 7 percent sales increase in August 2016 compared to same month the previous year

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Sep-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 7 percent in local currencies in August 2016 compared to the same month the previous year. Sales development in August had a very good start. But sales were negatively affected in the second half of the month by exceptionally hot weather in most of the group’s markets.

Third quarter 2016

In the third quarter of 2016, i.e. during the period 1 June to 31 August, sales including VAT increased by 8 percent in local currencies compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Sales including VAT in the third quarter converted into SEK increased by 6 percent and amounted to SEK 56,802* m (53,420). Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 48,982* m (46,024), an increase of 6 percent.

The total number of stores amounted to 4,135 on 31 August 2016 compared to 3,675 on 31 August 2015.

The Nine-Month Report, covering the period 1 December 2015 – 31 August 2016, will be published on 30 September 2016 at 08.00 (CET). Percentage sales development for the month of September will be published
on 17 October 2016 at 08.00 (CET).

*The amounts are provisional and may deviate slightly from the Interim Report that will be released on 30 September 2016.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

Only press enquiries:

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

Source: H&M/globenewswire

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H&M Foundation opens the second Global Change Award

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Sep-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — Clothing made of citrus by-products, microbes that digest waste polyester, and an online marketplace for textile leftovers are some of the five disruptive ideas that shared the first €1 million Global Change Award grant in 2015. The challenge is designed to spur early innovations that can accelerate the shift from a linear to a circular fashion industry, with the aim of protecting the planet and our living conditions. On September 1st, the non-profit H&M Foundation opens the second Global Change Award.

Initiated by H&M Foundation in 2015, the first Global Change Award received more than 2,700 applications from 112 countries. How the €1 million grant was shared between the five winners was up to the public to decide through an online vote at globalchangeaward.com.

“After seeing so many fantastic innovations from around the world with the potential to transform the fashion industry, we have been very eager to open up the next round of the Global Change Award. I am also honored to welcome some new members to the expert panel like Dame Ellen MacArthur, who besides making solo sailor history in 2005, has immense knowledge about the transition to a circular economy,” says Karl-Johan Persson, board member of the H&M Foundation and CEO of H&M.

Making the fashion industry circular is not just about recycling. To encourage ideas from a broader scope Global Change Award 2016 has three categories open for applications: Circular business models covering ideas on how to reuse, repair, share, digitalize or extend the life of products. Circular materials looking for ideas on new fibers, recycling techniques, leather substitutes etc and Circular processes aiming to find new methods around chemicals, water and dyeing, as well as 3D printing, demand-driven manufacturing etc.

“By bringing together innovators to develop positive solutions, the Global Change Award is a great example of the approach needed to create change, and help shift the fashion industry towards a restorative and regenerative circular economy. I am excited to join the expert panel to help find the next five innovations that can be truly game-changing,” says Dame Ellen MacArthur, Founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Other members of the expert panel to help identify the best innovations for Global Change Award 2016 include Amber Valletta, Ellis Rubinstein, Rebecca Earley, Franca Sozzani, David Roberts (new), Lewis Perkins (new), Vikram Widge (new) and Johan Kuylenstierna (new). Besides the grant, the winners also get access to a one year Innovation Accelerator organized by the H&M Foundation, in partnership with Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. It is designed to help ensure the innovations can stand on their own as quickly as possible, and to maximize their impact on the industry.

By catalysing green, truly ground-breaking ideas, the Global Change Award takes on one of the biggest challenges facing today’s fashion industry – creating fashion for a growing population, while improving its impact on the environment. H&M Foundation initiated the challenge to speed up this process for the entire fashion industry, and neither the H&M Foundation nor the company H&M take any equity or intellectual property rights in the innovations. The aim is to influence the fashion industry as a whole.

Information about the Global Change Award, how to apply and press material are available at globalchangeaward.com.

Read and download a booklet with facts about the Global Change Award.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

EXPERT PANEL

  • Rebecca Earley: Professor in Sustainable Textile and Fashion Design at University of the Arts London and Director of its Textile Futures Research Centre
  • Johan L. Kuylenstierna: Executive Director for Stockholm Environment Institute (New)
  • Dame Ellen MacArthur: Founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (New)
  • Lewis Perkins: President, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (New)
  • David Roberts: Founder of Exponential Leadership, Chairman in 1Qbit Information Technologies Inc. (New)
  • Franca Sozzani: Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia
  • Vikram Widge: Head of Climate and Carbon Finance at the World Bank Group (New)
  • Amber Valletta: Supermodel, actress, entrepreneur and sustainability influencer

KEY DATES

2016.09.01 – 2016.10.31       Apply at globalchangeaward.com

2016.11.01 – 2017.03.27        Expert panel screening and selection

2017.03.27 – 2017.04.02       Public online vote

2017.04.05                                Grand Award Ceremony, Stockholm, Sweden

2017.04.06 – 2018.04.06      One Year Innovation Accelerator

UPDATES ON THE GLOBAL CHANGE AWARD WINNERS 2015

The winners of the Global Change Award 2015 are currently taking part of the one year Innovation Accelerator and are making great progress. Watch films with each winner on the Global Change Award YouTube channel.

  • Make waste-cotton new – Conversion of waste-cotton into new textile (FINLAND)
    Successfully completed trials for a scalable solvent recycling strategy needed for further upscaling. Started to develop a prototype product from cotton waste.
  • The Polyester Digester – Using microbes to recycle waste polyester textile (U.S)
    Securing partnerships with major polyester producer and chemical companies to test technology and improve cost efficiency versus virgin materials.
  • 100 percent citrus – Creating new textile out of citrus by-products (ITALY)
    Expanded their R&D team with key competencies and working with major brands to assess fibre quality for large scale commercial collaborations.
  • An online market for textile leftovers – A marketplace for upcycling production spill (ESTONIA)
    Developed a prototype of technology to prove the concept and value proposition for both brands and factories. Launched a pilot in China in June 2016.
  • Growing textile fiber under water – Utilizing algae to make renewable textile (THE NETHERLANDS)
    Invited by the local government in Nanjing to the City Expo to proceed with talks on launching a pilot project in China. The mutual aim is to find a “playground” for the algae project to start a miniature supply chain as a show case in 2017.

SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Hashtags: #gca2016, #HMFoundation

The Global Change Award is an innovation challenge, initiated by non-profit H&M Foundation in 2015. By catalyzing early innovations that can accelerate the shift from a linear to a circular fashion industry, the aim is to protect the planet and our living conditions. An expert panel annually selects five winners that share a grant of €1 million and get access to a one-year innovation accelerator provided by the H&M Foundation, Accenture and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. The global public is invited to distribute the €1 million grant between the five innovations through an online vote. The result of the vote is revealed at a grand award ceremony in Stockholm, April 2017. This is one of the world’s biggest challenges for early stage innovation and the first such initiative in the fashion industry. The H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and the main owners of H&M. Since 2013, the family has donated SEK 1.1 billion (USD 154 million, EUR 123 million). For further information, please visit www.globalchangeaward.com.

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Malin Bjorne
PR & Communications responsible
H&M Foundation
Malin.bjorne@hm.com
+46 (0)70 796 39 75

Source: H&M

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H&M group’s sales in 1H2016 increased by 7 percent

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ —

  • The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 7 percent in local currencies during the first six months of the financial year. Converted into SEK, sales including VAT increased by 5 percent to SEK 104,965 m (100,024). Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 90,565 m (86,143).
  • Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 10,329 m (13,158). The group’s profit after tax amounted to SEK 7,902 m (10,066), corresponding to SEK 4.77 (6.08) per share.

Second quarter (1 March 2016 — 31 May 2016)

  • The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 5 percent in local currencies during the second quarter. Converted into SEK, sales including VAT increased by 2 percent to SEK 54,341 m (53,233). Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 46,874 m (45,867).
  • Gross profit amounted to SEK 26,980 m (27,245). This corresponds to a gross margin of 57.6 percent (59.4).
  • Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 7,002 m (8,435). The group’s profit after tax amounted to SEK 5,357 m (6,453), corresponding to SEK 3.24 (3.90) per share. Profits in the second quarter were negatively affected mostly by higher purchasing costs due to the strengthened US dollar and by increased markdowns.
  • Continued very satisfactory development for H&M’s e-commerce. Successful launch of H&M’s e-commerce in nine countries during the quarter: in Slovenia, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Ireland, Japan and Greece.
  • H&M’s e-commerce will be launched in Canada and South Korea during autumn 2016. A total of 11 new H&M online markets will thus be added in 2016 which means that H&M will offer e-commerce in 34 markets by the end of the year.
  • A continued fast roll-out of new H&M online markets is planned for 2017.
  • The H&M group’s sales including VAT in the period 1 – 21 June 2016 increased by 7 percent in local currencies compared to the same period last year.
  • The H&M group plans a net addition of around 425 new stores for the 2015/2016 financial year. New markets for 2016 are Puerto Rico, which has opened this June, and New Zealand and Cyprus which will open during the autumn.
  • In 2017, H&M plans to open stores in four to five new markets of which Colombia will be one.

Comments by Karl-Johan Persson, CEO
“Sales including VAT in the second quarter amounted to SEK 54 billion and profit before tax to SEK 7 billion. In local currencies, sales increased by 5 percent. The sales increase in March and April was significantly below our plan. These two months were negatively affected by cold spring weather in many of our markets. In May, sales were much better with an increase of 9 percent, or 11 percent when adjusted for calendar effects.

Profits in the second quarter have been affected by a continued negative US dollar effect, but also by increased markdowns and the costs of our long-term investments. The fact that the sales increase in the quarter was below plan, naturally also had an impact on profits.

It has been a challenging half-year for fashion retail in many markets, but we have great confidence going forward and are continuing to develop our offering further within all our brands.

The combination of strong brands, a large body of retail stores in good locations and a successful e-commerce business puts us in a unique market position for future growth. Although e-commerce is growing fast, there is still great potential for the H&M group to continue to expand through physical stores – so for us, our continued focus is to grow both through physical stores and online, as well as to integrate these two sales channels. Our stores and online business complement each other well, and the key to the future is to continue to integrate these channels even further to make it as convenient and easy as possible for our customers.

So far this year we have opened nine new online markets, which means that we now offer H&M’s e-commerce in 32 markets including Japan and Greece, where we recently successfully launched our e-commerce. A further two new online markets will open during the autumn: Canada and South Korea. And in 2017 we will continue the rapid roll-out of H&M’s online shop to further markets.

Today we have more than 4,000 stores in strong retail locations in a total of 62 markets. We are signing very favourable store leases and this year we plan a net addition of approximately 425 stores. New markets this year are Puerto Rico, where we had a successful opening in San Juan in June, and also New Zealand and Cyprus, where we will open in the autumn. Next year we plan to open four or five new H&M markets, of which Colombia will be one.

Our work on sustainability is an important part of our offering. For six years in a row H&M has been named by Ethisphere as one of the most ethical companies in the world. We have now climbed to 20th place in the ranking of the world’s most sustainable companies, and according to the Global 100 index we are the no. 1 company in our sector. H&M is also included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index of the most sustainable companies in Europe and the world.”

Information in this interim report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 22 June 2016. This interim report and other information about H&M, is available at www.hm.com
      

Contact:
Nils Vinge, IR +46-8-796 52 50
Karl-Johan Persson, CEO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)
Jyrki Tervonen, CFO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)

Invitation to press and telephone conference in conjunction to the six-month report is available on hm.com.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ)
SE-106 38 Stockholm
Phone: +46-8-796 55 00, Fax: +46-8-24 80 78, E-mail: info@hm.com
Registered office: Stockholm, Reg. No. 556042-7220

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. The company’s business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M group has more than 4,000 stores in 62 markets including franchise markets. In 2015, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 210 billion and the number of employees was more than 148,000.

For further information, visit www.hm.com.

Source: H&M

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H&M Group’s April 2016 sales up by 5 percent

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M Group’s sales including VAT increased by 5 percent in local currencies in April 2016 compared to the same month the previous year.

The cold spring which continued into April in several of H&M’s large markets has had an unfavourable impact on sales of transitional garments.

The total number of stores amounted to 4,035 on 30 April 2016 compared to 3,610 on 30 April 2015.

Percentage sales development for the month of May and total revenue in SEK for the second quarter (March to May) will be published in a separate press release on 15 June 2016. The Six-Month Report, covering the period 1 December 2015 to 31 May 2016, will be published on 22 June 2016 at 08.00 (CET).

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Only press enquiries

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

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H&M group announces March 2016 sales

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN,2016-Apr-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — As previously announced in conjunction with the three-month report 2016, sales including VAT in March 2016 increased by 2 percent in local currencies for the H&M group compared to the same month last year.

Sales in March, April and May should be viewed together because the Easter holiday falls in different months in different years, and partly also because the weather during this period can vary greatly from year to year.

For H&M in general, a late Easter is better than an early Easter. Weather conditions in March last year were favourable for
the season, while the opposite is true this year.

The total number of stores amounted to 3,997 on 31 March 2016 compared to 3,580 on 31 March 2015.

Percentage sales development for the month of April will be published in a press release at 08.00 (CET) on 16 May 2016.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

Source: H&M

 

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H&M group’s sales increased by 9 percent in Q1 2016

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Apr-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — First quarter (1 December 2015 — 29 February 2016)

  • The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 9 percent in local currencies in the first quarter. Converted into SEK, sales including VAT increased by 8 percent to SEK 50,624 m (46,791). Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 43,691 m (40,276).
  • Gross profit amounted to SEK 22,699 m (22,213). This corresponds to a gross margin of 52.0 percent (55.2).
  • Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 3,327 m (4,723). The group’s profit after tax amounted to SEK 2,545 m (3,613), corresponding to SEK 1.54 (2.18) per share. Profits in the quarter were negatively affected by substantially higher purchasing costs due to the strengthened US dollar and by increased markdowns.
  • Very satisfactory sales and profit development for H&M’s e-commerce.
  • As of 31 March 2016 H&M offers e-commerce in an additional seven countries: Croatia, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Slovenia. Very soon H&M will launch e-commerce in Japan and later in the year also in Greece, Canada and South Korea. A total of 11 H&M online markets will thus be added in 2016 which means that H&M will offer e-commerce in 34 markets by the end of the year.
  • The H&M group’s sales including VAT in March 2016 increased by 2 percent in local currencies compared to the corresponding month the previous year. Total sales in March, April and May should be seen together, since Easter and weather effects during this period affect the comparability of an individual month.
  • The H&M group plans a net addition of around 425 new stores for the 2015/2016 financial year. Most of the expansion will take place in existing markets. New Zealand, Cyprus and Puerto Rico are planned to become new H&M markets.
  • The group’s store number 4,000 will open in April, in Mall of India in New Delhi.

Comments by Karl-Johan Persson, CEO
“Sales including VAT in the first quarter amounted to almost SEK 51 billion and profit before tax to just over SEK 3.3 billion. In local currencies, sales increased by 9 percent, which was slightly below plan. This should be seen in the light of a very good first quarter last year when sales increased by 15 percent in local currencies and profits in SEK increased by 35 percent.

Profits in this year’s first quarter have been negatively affected by a continued very negative US-dollar effect which made our purchasing much more expensive, as well as by increased markdowns due to larger volumes of winter garments that remained as a result of the warm autumn. The negative dollar effect continues for purchases made for the second quarter 2016, although the negative effect has begun to gradually decrease due to the start of the annualisation of last year’s strong US-dollar exchange rate. Should today’s exchange rates continue, the effect of the US dollar on purchasing costs for the fourth quarter will be neutral or slightly positive compared to the corresponding quarter the previous year.

Our strong expansion continues, we are gaining market share and we are confident that we can grow at a fast pace both through stores and online, in existing as well as in new markets, for many years to come. The spring will bring many store openings, for example the opening of flagship stores in South Africa, Switzerland, Hungary and India. Since 2010 we have doubled the number of stores in the group, and this April we will pass another milestone when store number 4,000 opens. The store will open in Mall of India, New Delhi – in India, where H&M has had a very good reception since the first stores opened last year.

For the past few years we have been in an intensive period of investments related to new brands and concepts, as well as IT and online. Among other things, these investments have enabled a fast roll-out of H&M’s very profitable e-commerce to further markets. This year alone we will add 11 new H&M online markets: Ireland, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Japan, Greece, Canada and South Korea, which means that H&M will offer e-commerce in a total of 34 markets by the end of the year and preparations are under way for a continued roll-out into all markets in the group.

Another important part of our long-term work on further strengthening the group’s future market position is our ability to offer customers a wider selection of brands with different identities. Our new brands – COS, & Other Stories, Monki, Weekday och Cheap Monday – represent an increasingly important part of the group and we are looking forward to launching more new brands further ahead.

We are also continuing our ambitious work on sustainability, which is an integral part of our customer offering. Tomorrow, on 7 April, this year’s edition of the much-appreciated “H&M Conscious Exclusive” collection will be launched in around 180 selected stores and online. If you want to know more about our sustainability work, our sustainability report “H&M Conscious Actions Sustainability Report 2015” will be available on hm.com as of 14 April.”

Contact
As previously communicated, press and telephone conferences will no longer be held in conjunction with the releases of the Q1 and Q3 reports. In order to avoid any phone queues when the reports are published, it will be possible for the financial market and media to call Nils Vinge, Head of Investor Relations, and ask questions during an open call between 09.00 – 10.00 CET on these report dates.

For log in details to the call on 6 April, please register at hm.com, investor relations, the calendar, three-month report 2016. This phone conversation will be held in English.

After 10.00 CET Nils Vinge will be available on +46 (8) 796 52 50 or via email:
nils.vinge@hm.com

To book an interview please contact Kristina Stenvinkel, Head of Communications +46 (8) -796 39 08
stenvinkel@hm.com

For other matters please contact the Communications and Press Department: +46 (8) -796 53 00
mediarelations@hm.com
   

The information in this interim report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 6 April 2016. This interim report and other information about H&M, is available at www.hm.com
    

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. H&M’s business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M group has more than 3,900 stores in 61 markets including franchise markets. In 2015, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 210 billion and the number of employees was more than 148,000. For further information, visit www.hm.com.

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H&M Conscious Foundation: HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden awarded the winners of the first Global Change Award

On 10 February, HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden awarded the winners of the first Global Change Award, an annual innovation challenge for circular fashion initiated by the non-profit H&M Conscious Foundation. Most votes, and a grant of €300,000, were awarded to the Finnish team behind Making waste-cotton new; conversion of waste-cotton into new textile. To further accelerate the transformation towards a circular fashion industry, the Foundation now launches the Global Change Award Network, an open-source database for innovations.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Feb-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — The online vote was held 1-7 February and the results are:

  • €300,000: Making waste-cotton new – conversion of waste-cotton into new textile. Innovation team lead: Michael Hummel, Finland. (31% of the votes)
  • €250,000: The polyester digester – using microbes to recycle waste polyester textile. Innovation team lead: Akshay Sethi, U.S. (22% of the votes)
  • €150,000: An online market for textile leftovers – a marketplace for industrial upcycling of spill in production. Innovation team lead: Ann Runnel, Estonia. (18% of the votes)
  • €150,000: 100 percent citrus – creating new textile out of citrus juice production by-products. Innovation team lead: Enrica Arena, Italy. (15% of the votes)
  • €150,000: Growing textile fibre under water – utilizing algae to make renewable textile. Innovator: Tjeerd Veenhoven, the Netherlands. (14% of the votes)

“This prestigious grant will allow us to lift our technology closer to an industrially viable level. Now we will focus on the further development of technical details, in particular the solvent recovery to ensure economic competitiveness and complete environmental friendliness of our process, says Michael Hummel, spokesperson for the Finnish team behind Making waste-cotton new – conversion of waste-cotton into new textile.

Inspired by the response from the global innovation community, and to spark impact beyond the five winners, the Foundation now launches the Global Change Award Network, a public digital space where teams and ideas can grow.

“When the application period closed, we sat with thousands of amazing ideas. So we decided to create the Global Change Award Network. You can look at it as a matchmaking site, where innovators can present their ideas, get feedback, make contacts and maybe investors can even find the next big thing. A digital greenhouse for innovative ideas,” says Karl-Johan Persson, board member of the H&M Conscious Foundation and CEO of H&M.

The award ceremony on 10 February marked the beginning of a one year innovation accelerator, provided by H&M Conscious Foundation, Accenture and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. The program will help the winners develop their ideas, focusing on three main areas; circular economy, innovation and fashion industry connection.

“The level of innovation that we have seen throughout this process is truly inspiring and we aim to advance the strategic business growth of the five Global Change Award winners by guiding and coaching them through the Innovation Accelerator to develop their ideas further”, says Jennie Perzon Strategy Program Lead, Accenture.

“For KTH, it is a matter of both urgency and privilege to be a partner to Global Change Award, as we are facing extreme environmental challenges. Supporting this effort and being part of a better future is the obvious course for KTH to take. We are excited to kick off the accelerator program and get to know the five winning innovators,” says Lisa Ericsson, Head of KTH Innovation.


IMAGES AND FILM FROM CEREMONY

Download images and short films from the grand award ceremony here (supports Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Opera).

More information about the Global Change Award Network

More information about the challenge


NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Selecting the five winners
The Global Change Award was introduced in August 2015 by the non-profit H&M Conscious Foundation. Between 25 August and 31 October the challenge was open for anyone to apply. Over 2,700 innovators from 112 countries contributed. The H&M Conscious Foundation reviewed the applications with the help of innovation collaborators KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Accenture and the Expert jury. The five ideas considered to have most potential in helping close the loop for fashion was selected as winners.

Online votes
A total of 22,500 online votes were placed to split the €1 million grant between the five winners. Most votes came from Germany, U.S, The Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Russia, France, China, U.K and Finland.

About the Innovation Accelerator
Starting off, KTH Innovation invites the winning teams to a one week intensive immersion program at KTH campus in Stockholm. This will be followed by a one year training and coaching program, provided by Accenture Strategy. The winners will get individual coaching and tailored learning sessions and assignments in order to take their ideas to the next level. Through the H&M Conscious Foundation and H&M, the Innovation Accelerator will also provide exclusive fashion industry access and offer possibilities to build networks and try out the ideas within the fashion value chain.

The funding
The H&M Conscious Foundation is funded by the Stefan Persson family – founders and main owners of the Swedish fashion company H&M. Since 2013, the family has donated SEK 900 million to the H&M Conscious Foundation.

Members of the Expert jury

  • Dr. Michael Braungart: Academic Chair “Cradle to Cradle for Innovation and Quality” at Erasmus University Rotterdam; Professor at Leuphana University Lüneburg; Scientific Director of EPEA Hamburg.
  • Prof. Rebecca Earley: Professor in Sustainable Textile and Fashion Design at University of the Arts London and Director of its Textile Futures Research Centre.
  • Mr. Ma Jun: Director, Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, China.
  • Ms. Eva Kruse: CEO, Danish Fashion Institute; CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week.
  • Prof. Johan Rockström: Director of the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Professor in Environmental Science with emphasis on water resources and global sustainability at Stockholm University.
  • Mr. Ellis Rubinstein: President and CEO, The New York Academy of Sciences.
  • Ms. Franca Sozzani: Editor in Chief of Vogue Italia.
  • Ms. Amber Valletta: Supermodel, actress & entrepreneur.


For questions, please contact:
Malin Björne, Communications Responsible at H&M Conscious Foundation
Telephone: +46 (0)70 796 39 75
E-mail: malin.bjorne@hm.com
Webpage: hm.com/consciousfoundation

 

###

H&M Conscious Foundation: HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden awarded the winners of the first Global Change Award

H&M Conscious Foundation: HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden awarded the winners of the first Global Change Award

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H & M CEO Karl-Johan Persson: 2015 has been a very expansive year for the H&M group

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2016-Feb-02 — /EPR Retail News/ —

Full-year (1 December 2014 — 30 Nov 2015)

  • Well-received collections for all brands in the H&M group resulted in good sales of SEK 210 billion including VAT and increased market share.
  • The H&M group’s sales excluding VAT increased by 19 percent to SEK 180,861 m (151,419) during the financial year. In local currencies the increase was 11 percent.
  • Gross profit increased by 16 percent to SEK 103,167 m (89,052). This corresponds to a gross margin of 57.0 percent (58.8).
  • Profit after financial items increased by SEK 1.3 billion and amounted to SEK 27,242 m (25,895), an increase of 5 percent. The group’s profit after tax increased to SEK 20,898 m (19,976), corresponding to SEK 12.63 (12.07) per share, an increase of 5 percent.
  • The profit increase for 2015 has led to SEK 75 m being allocated to the H&M Incentive Program (HIP), which is for all employees.
  • Very strong expansion during the year with a total net addition of 413 (379) new stores and ten new online markets. At the end of the financial year H&M had 23 online markets and the number of stores amounted to 3,924 in 61 markets.
  • More than 16,000 new jobs were created in the H&M group in 2015. The number of employees amounted to more than 148,000 (132,000) at the end of the year.

Fourth quarter (1 September 2015 — 30 Nov 2015)

  • The H&M group’s sales in SEK excluding VAT increased by 14 percent to SEK 48,694 m (42,644) during the fourth quarter. In local currencies the increase was 9 percent.
  • Gross profit amounted to SEK 27,997 m (25,744), an increase of 9 percent. This corresponds to a gross margin of 57.5 percent (60.4).
  • Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 7,148 m (7,799). The group’s profit after tax amounted to SEK 5,526 m (6,222), corresponding to SEK 3.34 (3.76) per share. Profits in the quarter were negatively affected by substantially higher purchasing costs due to the strengthened US dollar.
  • Very good start for H&M’s first stores in India, New Delhi and in South Africa, Cape Town.
  • The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 9.75 (9.75) per share for the 2014/2015 financial year.
  • Sales including VAT in December 2015 increased by 10 percent in local currencies compared to the corresponding month the previous year.
  • Sales including VAT in January 2016 are expected to increase by 7 percent in local currencies compared to the same month last year.
  • The H&M group plans a net addition of around 425 new stores for the 2015/2016 financial year. Most of the expansion will take place in existing markets. New Zealand, Cyprus and Puerto Rico are planned to become new H&M markets. In addition, H&M plans to offer e-commerce in a further nine existing H&M markets.

Comments by Karl-Johan Persson, CEO
“2015 has been a very expansive year for the H&M group. We have opened 413 new stores net, of which 249 in the fourth quarter, as well as ten new H&M online markets and we have successfully established stores in our new markets of India, South Africa, Peru, Taiwan and Macau. In total, we now have stores in 61 markets and offer online sales in 23 of these.

Sales have developed well for all our brands: H&M, H&M Home, COS, & Other Stories, Weekday, Monki and Cheap Monday. During the year sales totalled SEK 210 billion including VAT, which is an increase of 19 percent in SEK. In local currencies the increase was 11 percent. Profit for the year after tax increased to SEK 20.9 billion, which is our highest result to date – this despite the fact that the strong US dollar exchange rate has made our purchasing much more expensive.

Our employees are doing a fantastic job and are decisive for our success. The increase in the financial result for the year means that SEK 75 m has been allocated to the H&M Incentive Program (HIP), which is for all employees in the H&M group. The accumulated value to an employee who has been in the programme since it started five years ago amounts to approximately SEK 45,000 per person*. In 2015 we created 16,000 new jobs within the H&M group and we are now more than 148,000 employees and we plan to employ further thousands of new employees in 2016 since our strong expansion continues.

Our growth target of increasing the number of stores by 10-15 percent per year with continued high profitability remains intact, In 2016 we plan to open 425 new stores net and open H&M stores in three new markets: New Zealand, Cyprus and Puerto Rico. In addition, H&M plans to offer e-commerce in a further nine existing H&M markets. These countries are Ireland, Japan, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg. We are very pleased with the continued strengthening of our online customer offering and developments within our online operations.

We operate in an industry that is exposed to a lot of competition and are therefore constantly working to develop our customer offering within our different brands which are all based on the idea of giving customers the best combination of fashion, quality, price and sustainability – from each brand’s unique identity. Among other things, we are making substantial long-term investments in order to grasp the opportunities coming from the increased digitalization.
In addition, we are also continuing to broaden the product range further as well as adding more brands to the group. One example of broadening our range is the successful launch of H&M Beauty, which is now in 900 stores in 41 markets and which will continue to be rolled out to a further 300 stores in 2016.

Sustainability is something that concerns us all and at H&M we have been working on these matters for a long time. We have made lots of improvements and are constantly working on how to improve even further to meet the challenges that we and our industry are facing. A specific example of what we have achieved in 2015 is that we have switched to 100 percent renewable energy in all markets where this is possible. For the group as a whole, this means that around 80 percent of all the energy that we use globally comes from renewable sources; in 2014 this figure was 27 percent. We have also increased the proportion of cotton that comes from sustainable sources, which now represents 31 percent of our total cotton usage (21 percent in 2014). Our goal is that all cotton in our product range will come from sustainable sources by 2020 at the latest.

We closely follow developments in the market in each country where we are present. For 2016 we see many opportunities, but are also well aware of the challenges that exist. We firmly believe that our customer offering and our investments will lead to increased market share and strengthen H&M’s position even further in 2016.”

The information in this full-year report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 28 January 2016. This full-year report, and other information about H&M, is available at www.hm.com
    

Contact persons

Nils Vinge, IR +46-8-796 52 50
Karl-Johan Persson, CEO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)
Jyrki Tervonen, CFO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ)
SE-106 38 Stockholm
Phone: +46-8-796 55 00, Fax: +46-8-24 80 78, E-mail: info@hm.com
Registered office: Stockholm, Reg. No. 556042-7220

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. H&M’s business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M group has more than 3,900 stores in 61 markets including franchise markets. In 2015, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 210 billion and the number of employees was more than 148,000. For further information, visit www.hm.com.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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H&M group reports of 4% sales increase in November 2015 compared to the same month last year

November 2015

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-12-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 4 percent in local currencies in November 2015 compared to the same month last year. Sales in November were negatively affected by the unseasonably mild weather in North America and in many of the H&M group’s large sales markets in Europe.

In the month of November 2015, the H&M group opened 117 (74) new stores net. The total number of stores thus amounted to 3,924 on 30 November 2015 compared to 3,511 on 30 November 2014, an increase of 413 stores.

Fourth quarter 2015

In the fourth quarter of 2015, i.e. during the period 1 September to 30 November, sales including VAT increased by 9 percent in local currencies. Converted into SEK, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 56,477* m (49,656) in the fourth quarter, an increase of 14 percent. Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 48,692* m (42,644).

Financial year 2015

In the financial year 2015, i.e. 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015, sales including VAT increased by 11 percent in local currencies. Converted into SEK, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 209,921* m (176,620) for the full-year, an increase of 19 percent. Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 180,859* m (151,419).

Percentage sales development for the month of December will be published at 08.00 (CET) on 15 January 2016. The Full-year Report, covering the period 1 December 2014 – 30 November 2015, will be published at 08.00 (CET) on 28 January 2016.

*The amounts are provisional and have not yet been audited by the company’s auditors: the amounts may deviate slightly from the Full-year Report that will be released on 28 January 2016.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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The H&M group’s sales increased by 12 percent in October 2015 YoY

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-11-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 12 percent in local currencies in October 2015 compared to the same month last year.

The total number of stores amounted to 3,807 on 31 October 2015 compared to 3,437 on 31 October 2014.

Percentage sales development for the month of November and total revenue in SEK for the fourth quarter (September to November) will be published in a separate press release at 08.00 (CET) on 15 December 2015. The Full-year Report, covering the period 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015, will be published on 28 January 2016.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

 

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

SOURCE: H&M

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H&M, IndustriAll Global Union and Swedish trade union IF Metall partner to promote well-functioning industrial relations

H&M, the global trade union IndustriAll Global Union and the Swedish trade union IF Metall collaborates to promote well-functioning industrial relations.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN,  2015-11-6 — /EPR Retail News/ — The parties have signed a unique Global Framework Agreement, GFA, aiming for an improved dialogue between the employer and the employee at the supplier factories where H&M is buying their products from. They all share the belief that collaboration and a well-functioning dialogue between the parties on the labour market is necessary for lasting improvements for the garment workers in all areas of working conditions, including fair living wages.

“Well-functioning industrial relations including collective bargaining are keys to achieving fair living wages and improved working conditions in our supply chain. We believe that the collaboration with IndustriALL and IF Metall will contribute to our already ongoing work within this field as well as help to create stable sourcing markets”, says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M.

The collaboration will contribute to our already ongoing work within this field as well as the creation of stable sourcing markets. One of the goals is to help the employees and employers to solve conflicts peacefully, and primarily at the factory level where they arise. Therefore, the agreement includes setting up national monitoring committees, initially planned for countries such as Cambodia, Bangladesh and Myanmar, that will work towards this goal. The collaboration with IndustriALL and IF Metall will also help us in our work to address collective bargaining and collective agreements.

We believe that well-functioning industrial relations are necessary when working towards a more sustainable textile industry. A development in this direction is positive for all parties – textile buyers, suppliers, factory employees, trade unions and governments. However, it is a complex issue. Many of the countries where H&M operates have little experience of a good dialogue by the parties on the labour market. Therefore, we have a unique opportunity to push this development in a positive direction.

Read the press release about the collaboration agreement.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Only press enquiries

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries

H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

###

H&M, the global trade union IndustriAll Global Union and the Swedish trade union IF Metall collaborates to promote well-functioning industrial relations. From left: Jyrki Raina (IndustriAll), Karl-Johan Persson (H&M) och Anders Ferbe (IF Metall).

H&M, the global trade union IndustriAll Global Union and the Swedish trade union IF Metall collaborates to promote well-functioning industrial relations. From left: Jyrki Raina (IndustriAll), Karl-Johan Persson (H&M) och Anders Ferbe (IF Metall).

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H&M fans lined up for over 24 hours outside of the newly opened flagship store in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, 2015-10-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M fans lined up for over 24 hours outside of the new flagship store, which opened in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront today. Shortly after the doors opened at 10am more than 1,500 customers were in line. Radio personality Ryan O’Connor was on hand to count down the opening and to welcome the eager crowd of fashion fans into the two-level 4,700 square meter store.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M was on the red carpet to cut the ribbon and to welcome the first eager shoppers along with H&M South Africa’s Country Manager Pär Darj and Store Managers Andries van den Berg and Peter Johannes. The first lucky person in line received a R2,500 gift card and the following 500 people received a R200 gift card. The first 3000 people in the store received a limited edition tote bag and gift celebrating the opening of the very first H&M store in South Africa.

“We have had an amazing response from our customers here in Cape Town and we look forward to bringing H&M’s concept of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way to South Africa,” says Pär Darj, Country Manager.

Two nights before, at the VIP party, prominent figures in South Africa’s fashion and entertainment industry as well as members of the media were invited to preview and shop at H&M’s spectacular store while being treated to decadent displays of fashion and free flowing champagne. Some of the most notable guests included Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille, Bonnie Mbuli, Kurt and Dunay Darren and international supermodel Katryn Kruger.

Presenting a wide selection of latest trends and timeless classics for customers, H&M will offer women’s, men’s, and childrens apparel and accessories as well as H&M Home with new items in store daily. The store will be open daily from 9:00am – 9:00pm daily.

Following the opening of the first store in Cape Town, H&M will open the second store in Sandton City Mall in Johannesburg on 7 November 2015.

For more information and images please contact:

Amelia-May Woudstra
PR Manager, South Africa
Mob. +27 72 506 9590
ameliamay.woudstra@hm.com		 Conrad Roselt
Showroom Manager, South Africa
Mob. +27 82 823 0811
conrad.roselt@hm.com

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H&M fans lined up for over 24 hours outside of the newly opened flagship store in Cape Town

H&M fans lined up for over 24 hours outside of the newly opened flagship store in Cape Town

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The H&M group’s sales up by 11 percent in September 2015 YoY

STOCKHOLM, 2015-10-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 11 percent in local currencies in September 2015 compared to the same month last year.

Sales development per month in percent in local currencies:

The total number of stores amounted to 3,733 on 30 September 2015 compared to 3,338 on

30 September 2014.

Percentage sales development for the month of October will be published on 16 November 2015.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

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Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

SALES DEVELOPMENT IN SEPTEMBER 2015

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H&M opens its first store in India

After months of anticipation amongst fashion-lovers, the first H&M store in New Delhi is now open! In an unprecedented milestone, over 2,500 H&M fans lined up prior to the ribbon cutting for the official launch of the city’s new fashion destination. The roaring energy and excitement earlier this morning truly celebrated the brand’s offering of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way.

New Delhi, India, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ —Post the exclusive VIP party with Bollywood celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez on September 30th, H&M fans were treated to a bloc party atmosphere for the Grand Opening. The celebrations were hosted by popular artist Kanan Gill with a live DJ set and street entertainment, the H&M Store team also joined in the fun with a high energy flash mob. Having lined up in the queue more than a day prior to the opening, the first three fashion enthusiasts received gift cards of INR 15,000, INR 10,000 and INR 7,500 respectively and the first 1000 customers all received a limited edition H&M India tote bag. Karl-Johan Persson – CEO; Janne Einola – Country Manager and Kapil Vig – Store Manager cut the red ribbon to welcome customers to the store located at Select CITYWALK, Saket and spread across more than 25,000 sq. ft.

“We have been waiting for this day for a long time now and this fabulous response is truly worth the wait! I am hopeful that Indian customers will enjoy our diverse offering and find fashion inspiration in the store” said Janne Einola, Country Manager, H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd. India.

Presenting a wide selection of latest trends and timeless classics for customers, H&M will offer women’s, men’s, and children apparel and accessories. The flagship will be open every day from 10 AM until 10 PM. The end of 2015 will see another H&M store opening at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. In 2016, H&M will open its first Bangalore store at VR mall.

For more press information, please contact:
Dhatri Bhatt, Head – Public Relations
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Telephone: +919643401385
E-mail: dhatri.bhatt@hm.com

For press loans, please contact:
Keerti Kataria, Press Showroom Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Telephone: +919899452949
E-mail: keerti.kataria@hm.com

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H&M opens its first store in India

H&M opens its first store in India

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H&M group’s sales excluding VAT increased by 22 percent in the first 9 months of the financial year

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-9-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M group’s sales excluding VAT increased by 22 percent in the first 9 months of the financial year

Nine months (1 December 2014 — 31 August 2015)

  • Well-received collections for all brands in the H&M group resulted in good sales and increased market share. The H&M group’s sales excluding VAT increased by 22 percent to SEK 132,167 m (108,775) during the first nine months of the financial year. In local currencies the increase was 12 percent.
  • Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 20,094 m (18,096), an increase of 11 percent. The group’s profit after tax increased to SEK 15,372 m (13,754), corresponding to SEK 9.29 (8.31) per share, an increase of 12 percent.

Third quarter (1 June 2015 — 31 August 2015)

  • The H&M group’s sales in SEK excluding VAT increased by 19 percent to SEK 46,024 m (38,805) during the third quarter. In local currencies the increase was 11 percent.
  • Gross profit amounted to SEK 25,712 m (22,627), an increase of 14 percent. This corresponds to a gross margin of 55.9 percent (58.3).
  • Profit after financial items was at the same level as last year and amounted to SEK 6,936 m (6,967). The group’s profit after tax amounted to SEK 5,306 m (5,296), corresponding to SEK 3.21 (3.20) per share.
  • H&M’s first stores in Macau were very well received on its openings in the quarter.
  • A very good start for H&M Beauty since its launch in July. H&M Beauty can today be found in around 700 stores in 28 markets and also at hm.com.
  • Sales including VAT in the period 1 September – 22 September 2015 increased by 12 percent in local currencies compared to the same period last year.
  • Continued strong expansion: approximately 400 new stores net are planned to open in 2015. India and South Africa will be new H&M markets in October 2015. Eight new H&M online markets have opened so far in 2015, all of which have had a very good reception. Switzerland and Russia will become new online markets during autumn 2015.
  • In the 2015/2016 financial year, H&M plans to offer e-commerce in a further nine existing H&M markets and also to open stores in three new markets: New Zealand, Cyprus and Puerto Rico.

Comments by Karl-Johan Persson, CEO
“So far this year our sales have exceeded SEK 153 billion including VAT, an increase of more than 20 percent – an acknowledgement that our collections are well appreciated worldwide. Sales were also good in the third quarter even though sales in August were negatively affected by the unseasonably warm weather in many of our large European markets. When the weather became more normal in September, sales took off again and we are looking forward to an exciting fashion autumn.

Profits have developed well during the first nine months of the year, although profits in the third quarter were negatively affected by increased purchasing costs due to the strong US dollar. As always, we are reviewing our customer offering in each market and we are monitoring the market closely to ensure that we offer the best combination of fashion, quality, price and sustainability.

We are also strengthening our offering by continuously developing and improving our range even further. For example, our new concept H&M Beauty was launched during the summer. H&M Beauty has enjoyed a very good start in around 700 stores in 28 markets as well as online. We are now continuing the roll-out to a further 14 markets during the autumn. We are also looking into launching other new concepts and brands; we will come back to this at a later date.

Our online roll-out to new countries is continuing according to plan. We will open our H&M online store in both Switzerland and Russia during this autumn, giving us 23 H&M online markets at the end of the financial year. In 2016 we plan to offer e-commerce in a further nine existing H&M markets. These countries will be Ireland, Japan, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

In parallel with our rapid online expansion we are also opening stores at a fast pace.
In the fourth quarter we will open approximately 240 new stores net – which is almost three new stores per day. India and South Africa will become two new and exciting H&M countries this autumn, when we open our first store in New Delhi next week and in Cape Town later on in October. Next year, we plan to open stores in three new markets: New Zealand, Cyprus and Puerto Rico.

Our other brands are performing well and are continuing to reach out to more and more customers. For example, COS now has around 130 stores across 27 markets, Monki more than 90 stores in 13 markets, & Other Stories 25 stores in 10 markets and Weekday 20 stores in five markets.

There is also much going on within our sustainability work. Our strategy for Fair Living Wages, which we are working on together with other big buyers in our purchasing countries, is showing good progress and now more and more of our suppliers will start using the Fair Wage method to achieve fairer wage setting for their employees. In addition, thanks to the commitment of our customers we have now collected almost 20,000 tonnes of garments for re-use and recycling since 2013. Some of these have been turned into brand new clothing, most recently into some great denim pieces currently in our stores. Through the H&M Conscious Foundation, which works on issues of concern, we contribute humanitarian support in countries where H&M operates. Alongside this the foundation has established a new prize, the Global Change Award, which encourages innovation in the textile industry. The aim is to develop new processes that enable used garments to be recycled on a larger scale, which we hope will lead our industry towards a more circular economy.”

The information in this interim report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 24 September 2015. This interim report, and other information about H&M, is available at www.hm.com

Contact persons

Nils Vinge, IR +46-8-796 52 50
Karl-Johan Persson, CEO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)
Jyrki Tervonen, CFO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ)
SE-106 38 Stockholm
Phone: +46-8-796 55 00, Fax: +46-8-24 80 78, E-mail: info@hm.com
Registered office: Stockholm, Reg. No. 556042-7220

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. H&M’s business idea is to offer fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M group has more than 3,600 stores in 59 markets including franchise markets. In 2014, sales including VAT amounted to SEK 177 billion and the number of employees was more than 132,000. For further information, visit www.hm.com.

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H&M group’s sales in August increased by 1 percent vs the same month last year

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-9-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M group’s sales in August increased by 1 percent vs the same month last year

August 2015
The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased by 1 percent in local currencies in August 2015 compared to the same month last year. Sales in August were negatively affected by the unseasonably warm weather in many of the H&M group’s large markets in Europe.

Third quarter 2015
In the third quarter of 2015, i.e. during the period 1 June to 31 August, sales including VAT increased by 11 percent in local currencies compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Sales including VAT in the third quarter converted into SEK increased by 18 percent to SEK 53,420* m (45,259). Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 46,024* m (38,805), an increase of 19 percent. The substantial difference between the sales increase in local currencies and in SEK is due to the weakness of the Swedish krona against most sales currencies in the group.

The total number of stores amounted to 3,675 on 31 August 2015 compared to 3,341 on 31 August 2014.

The Nine-Month Report, covering the period 1 December 2014 – 31 August 2015, will be published on 24 September 2015 at 08.00 (CET). Percentage sales development for the month of September will be published on 15 October 2015.

*The amounts are provisional and may deviate slightly from the Interim Report that will be released on 24 September 2015.

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

 

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB to present 9-month results for 2015 at press conference on Thursday 24 September

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-9-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB presents the nine-month results for 2015 at a press conference on Thursday 24 September at 9.30 CET. There will also be a telephone conference in English at 14.00 CET the same day.

The nine-month results for the period 1 December 2014 to 31 August 2015 is released at approximately at 8.00 CET on 24 September and thereafter published on hm.com.

The press conference starts at 9.30 CET in “Ljusgården” in H&M’s premises on Mäster Samuelsgatan 49, 3rd floor, in Stockholm. H&M’s CEO Karl-Johan Persson and Head of Investor Relations Nils Vinge will present the nine-month results followed by an open Q&A session. The press conference is held in Swedish.

Participants in the telephone conference are kindly asked to register at
https://eventreg2.conferencing.com/webportal3/reg.html?Acc=855720&Conf=220704
to receive log in details for the telephone conference.
Registration can be made from 10 September until the telephone conference is complete 24 September.

Presentation material will be available at hm.com under Investor Relations at approximately 10.30 CET on 24 September and arecording from the telephone conference as of 25 September.

Welcome!

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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H&M to introduce 16 new denim styles made using recycled cotton from textiles collected in the Garment Collecting initiative in H&M stores

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2015-8-24— /EPR Retail News/ — This September, H&M will introduce 16 new denim styles made using recycled cotton from textiles collected in the Garment Collecting initiative in H&M stores. The pieces for men, women and kids, are the latest steps toward H&M’s goal towards creating a closed loop for fashion, and will be available in all stores worldwide, as well as online.

“Creating a closed loop for textiles, in which unwanted clothes can be recycled into new ones, will not only minimize textile waste, but also significantly reduce the need for virgin resources as well as other impacts fashion has on our planet,“ says Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M.

The new denim pieces, made from recycled cotton and organic cotton, include for women three styles of jeans, from skinny to distressed ‘girlfriend’ jeans, plus a denim jacket, flared dungarees and a denim jumpsuit. For men, there is a zip-up denim jacket, alongside two distressed slim leg styles, and a pair of joggers in coated denim. There are kids pieces too, including a zip-up hoodie with cute animal ears, along with stretch jeans sequined at the knee, or a street style hooded shirt, with distressed jeans.

H&M wants to create a closed loop for its textiles, in which the fabrics from unwanted clothes can be recycled into new ones. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry, by limiting waste that goes to landfill and saving on natural resources used in the production of fabric.

Since 2013, H&M customers worldwide have been able to bring unwanted clothes from any brand into its stores as part of its Garment Collecting Initiative. So far, over 18,000 tonnes have been collected globally.

Right now, H&M is able to use 20% recycled cotton from collected clothes, and is investing in new technology to increase this share without losing quality. H&M has a target to increase the number of garments made with at least 20% recycled fabric by 300% compared to 2014.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

###

H&M to introduce 16 new denim styles made using recycled cotton from textiles collected in the Garment Collecting initiative in H&M stores

H&M to introduce 16 new denim styles made using recycled cotton from textiles collected in the Garment Collecting initiative in H&M stores

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The H&M Group reports 10 percent increase in sales including VAT and in local currencies in March 2015 vs. same month the previous year

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2015-4-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The H&M Group’s sales including VAT increased by 10 percent in local currencies in March 2015 compared to the same month the previous year.

The total number of stores amounted to 3,580 on 31 March 2015 versus 3,216 on 31 March 2014.

Percentage sales development for the month of April will be published in a press release on 15 May 2015 at 08.00 (CET).

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

Contact: Nils Vinge, Head of IR, +46 8 796 5250.

The information in this press release is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It was released for publication at 08.00 (CET) on 15 April 2015.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. The company’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the Group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has more than 3,500 stores in 57 markets. In 2014, sales including VAT amounted to more than SEK 176,6 billion and the number of employees was more than 132,000.

For further information, visit www.hm.com

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H&M group’s sales incl. VAT increased by 15 percent during the first quarter (1 December 2014 – 28 February 2015)

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-3-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — First quarter (1 December 2014 — 28 February 2015)

  • Well-received collections for all brands in the H&M group resulted in good sales and increased market share. The H&M group’s sales including VAT increased in local currencies by 15 percent during the first quarter. Converted into SEK, sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 40,276 m (32,143), an increase of 25 percent.
  • Gross profit increased by 26 percent to SEK 22,213 m (17,641), which corresponds to a gross margin of 55.2 percent (54.9).
  • Profit after financial items increased by 35 percent to SEK 4,723 m (3,486).
  • The group’s profit after tax increased to SEK 3,613 m (2,649), corresponding to SEK 2.18 (1.60) per share, an increase of 36 percent.
  • H&M’s first store in Taipei, Taiwan, was very well received on its opening in mid-February.
  • Sales in the period 1 March – 21 March 2015 increased by 9 percent in local currencies compared to the same period last year.
  • The H&M group plans a net addition of around 400 new stores for the financial year 2014/2015. New markets for store expansion in 2015 are, Taiwan, which opened in February, Peru and Macau which will open towards the end of the first half-year, and South Africa and India, which will open during the second half-year.
  • Nine new online markets will open in 2015: Portugal, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Belgium will open during the spring and Switzerland will open in the autumn.

Comments by Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

“We have made a very good start to 2015 – in terms of both sales and profits. Our attractive customer offering and strong expansion both through stores and online, as well as our work on continuous improvement, are among the reasons for increased market share gains and good profits.

During the first quarter we increased sales by 15 percent in local currencies and by 25 percent in SEK compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Profit after financial items increased by 35 percent to more than SEK 4.7 billion. We achieved this strong increase despite our continued long-term investments within areas such as online and IT with the aim of building an even stronger H&M for the future. It is very important to always be able to meet customers’ shopping demands and expectations in the fast digitalising development that is taking place in the retail market.

Already during the spring, we are opening eight new H&M online markets: Portugal, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Belgium. During the autumn we will also open our online store in Switzerland.

In February we opened in our latest store market, Taiwan, where we have had a very good reception since opening our first H&M store in Taipei. The next market in line is Peru, where we plan to open our first H&M store during the spring in Lima. In Macau in Asia we plan to open the first H&M store in the summer and an additional store will open later in 2015.

Another example of an exciting upcoming opening is our new flagship store on Herald Square in New York, which will be one of our largest stores in the group with an area of 5,700 square metres in total. So we have many interesting openings to look forward to – both as regards stores and online. In total, we plan to open 400 new stores net and nine new online markets this year, enabling us to reach more and more customers every day.

At the same time as this expansion is going ahead, we are continuing to broaden our product range and to develop further our various other brands COS, & Other Stories, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday, which are all becoming more and more established in the world of fashion. H&M Sport and our extended shoe range have been well received, and we will now launch them in more stores. And in the autumn we are looking forward to offering our customers our latest initiative, H&M Beauty – our new beauty concept that will be launched in an inspiring shopping environment which will further strengthen our customer offering.

As a part of our sustainability work we will shortly be launching our “H&M Conscious Exclusive” collection in 200 selected stores and online. We have set high sustainability goals; over the two last years, for example, we have almost doubled the share of more sustainable cotton used in our product range. If you want to know more about our sustainability work, our latest sustainability report “H&M Conscious Actions Sustainability Report 2014” will be available on hm.com as of 9 April.

As mentioned, the year has got off to a very good start and we have great faith in our offering. Although the strong US dollar will affect our sourcing costs going forward, we will make sure that we always have the best customer offering in each individual market.”

The information in this interim report is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It will be released for publication at 8.00 (CET) on 24 March 2015. This interim report, and other information about H&M, is available at www.hm.com

Contact persons

Nils Vinge, IR +46-8-796 52 50
Karl-Johan Persson, CEO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)
Jyrki Tervonen, CFO +46-8-796 55 00 (switchboard)

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ)
SE-106 38 Stockholm
Phone: +46-8-796 55 00, Fax: +46-8-24 80 78, E-mail: info@hm.com
Registered office: Stockholm, Reg. No. 556042-7220

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. The company’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M group has more than 3,500 stores in 57 markets including franchise markets. In 2014, sales including VAT amounted to more than SEK 176.6 billion and the number of employees was more than 132,000. For further information, visit www.hm.com.

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The H&M Group reports 15% sales increase including VAT in local currencies in February 2015 vs last year’s same month

The H&M Group’s sales including VAT increased by 15 percent in local currencies in February 2015 compared to the same month the previous year.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-3-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — In the first quarter, i.e. 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015, sales increased by 15 percent including VAT in local currencies compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Sales in the first quarter converted into SEK increased by 25 percent and amounted to SEK 46,791 m (37,524) including VAT. Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 40,276 m (32,143).

The total number of stores amounted to 3,551 on 28 February 2015 versus 3,192 on 28 February 2014.

Percentage sales development for the month of March will be published in a press release on 15 April 2015 at 08.00 (CET).

Karl-Johan Persson, CEO

Contact: Nils Vinge, Head of IR, +46 8 796 5250.

The information in this press release is that which H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) is required to disclose under Sweden’s Securities Market Act. It was released for publication at 08.00 (CET) on 16 March 2015.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. The company’s business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the Group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, & Other Stories as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has more than 3,500 stores in 55 countries. In 2014, sales including VAT amounted to more than SEK 176,6 billion and the number of employees was more than 132,000.
For further information, visit hm.com.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Only press enquiries

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries

H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB to present the first quarterly results for 2015 at a press conference on 24 March

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-3-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB presents the first quarterly results for 2015 at a press conference on Tuesday 24 March at 9.30 CET. There will also be a telephone conference in English at 14.00 CET the same day.

The first quartely results for the period 1 December 2014 to 28 February 2015 is released at approximately at 8.00 CET on 24 March and thereafter published on hm.com.

The press conference starts at 9.30 CET in “Ljusgården” in H&M’s premises on Mäster Samuelsgatan 49, 3rd floor, in Stockholm. H&M’s CEO Karl-Johan Persson and Head of Investor Relations Nils Vinge will present the first quarterly results followed by an open Q&A session.The press conference is held in Swedish.

Participants in the telephone conference can choose to pre-register at
https://eventreg1.conferencing.com/webportal3/reg.html?Acc=056083&Conf=192339 and receive log in details for the telephone conference.

Participants who choose to dial in on the telephone numbers below are kindly asked to call in at least ten minutes prior to the start of the conference in order to avoid a queue.
Please quote ref 951962.

Sweden  +46 8 5052 0110
UK  +44 20 7162 0077
US  +1 334 323 6201

Presentation material will be available at hm.com under Investor Relations at approximately 10.30 CET on 24 March and a recordingfrom the telephone conference as of 25 March.

Welcome!

GLOBAL MEDIA INQUIRIES

Only for media representatives
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

Please note the contact details above are only for media representatives. For other enquiries contact H&M’s switchboard on +46 8 796 55 00.