History of H&M
H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, was founded in 1947 by Erling Persson in Västerås, Sweden. The
company began as 'Hennes,' a women's clothing store, which means 'hers' in Swedish. In 1968, Persson
acquired a hunting and fishing equipment store named 'Mauritz Widforss,' which led to the inclusion
of men's and children's clothing, and the company was renamed Hennes & Mauritz (H&M). Over the
years, H&M expanded its product range to include accessories, cosmetics, and home textiles,
establishing itself as a major player in the fast-fashion industry by offering trendy and affordable
clothing.
The company's growth has been rapid and expansive, with its first international
store
opening in Norway in 1964. H&M now operates in numerous countries worldwide, with thousands of
stores and a significant online presence. The brand is known for its collaborations with
high-profile designers and celebrities, bringing exclusive collections to a wider audience. Despite
its success, H&M has faced criticism over labor practices and environmental impact, prompting the
company to make efforts towards sustainability and ethical business practices in recent years.