H&M is a Swedish clothing and accessories company known around the world for offering quality fashion at the best price. Founded in 1947 by Erling Persson, the company began as a women's clothing store called Hennes (Swedish for "women"). In 1968, Persson acquired the Mauritz Widforss menswear company and changed the company name to H&M, which stands for Hennes & Mauritz. Since then, the H&M logo is what we know today.
Since then, H&M has expanded internationally and has more than 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries. The company offers clothing for men, women, children, babies, and the home. In addition to its main line, H&M also has several separate brands such as COS and & Other Stories among others and has collaborated with renowned designers such as Alexander Wang and Erdem.
Over the years, H&M has built a reputation for offering fashionable clothing at affordable prices and for its commitment to sustainability and business ethics. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote equal opportunities in its supply chain. For example, H&M has embraced the use of renewable energy in its stores and factories, and has implemented programs to recycle and reuse clothing.
In addition, H&M has worked with international organizations such as the Global Foundation for Sustainable Fashion and the Alliance for Ethical Fashion to promote more sustainable business practices throughout the fashion industry. The company has also launched environmental and sustainability awareness campaigns, and has collaborated with artists and celebrities to promote positive messages about climate change and social responsibility.
The importance of its H&M Conscious collections
H&M Conscious is a fashion clothing and accessories line by H&M that focuses on sustainability and the use of sustainable and ethical materials. The Conscious line launched in 2010 and has since expanded to include apparel for men, women, children, and babies.
The Conscious line focuses on using sustainable and ethical materials in the production of clothing, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and plant-based materials. It is also focused on reducing environmental impact throughout the production process, from sourcing materials to transportation to garment manufacturing. In addition, the Conscious line works with suppliers and factories that share its commitment to sustainability and business ethics.
The Conscious collections also include vintage and reused clothing and accessories, implementing programs to recycle and reuse old clothing in its stores. The Conscious line also features garments made with innovative materials, such as fabric made from recycled plastic and plant-based materials like linen and hemp.
In addition to their focus on sustainability, the Conscious collections are also focused on fashion, offering timeless and elegant designs that can be worn for a long time. The Conscious line has collaborated with renowned designers and artists, such as Elin Kling and Pernilla Wohlfahrt, and has launched ad campaigns with celebrities such as Beyoncé and David Beckham.
Companies that make up the H&M Group
H&M has a series of brands and companies, which are the following:
- H&M – H&M's flagship brand, offering clothing and accessories for men, women, children and babies. Its motto is Fashion and quality at the best price.
- COS - A luxury clothing and accessories brand from H&M that focuses on timeless design and quality.
- & Other Stories: An H&M clothing, accessories, and beauty brand that focuses on creative design and personalization.
- Monki - A women's clothing and accessories brand from H&M that focuses on youthful, urban style.
- Weekday - A women's clothing and accessories brand from H&M that focuses on casual and urban style.
- H&M Home: A home goods and décor brand from H&M.
- Arket – A luxury clothing and accessories brand from H&M that focuses on timeless design and quality.
- Afound: a second-hand clothing and accessories brand. It focuses on offering high-quality fashion clothing and accessories at affordable prices, and all products are carefully selected to ensure they meet H&M's high quality standards. In addition to clothing and accessories, Afound also offers furniture and home décor items.
In addition to these brands, H&M also has a number of related companies, such as H&M Group Services, which handles logistics and transportation, and H&M Group Real Estate, which handles the company's real estate management.