H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, is a Swedish multinational clothing retail company. It is one of the largest fast-fashion retailers in the world, known for its trendy and affordable clothing, accessories, and home products. H&M was founded in 1947 by Erling Persson and initially focused on selling women’s clothing under the brand “Hennes,” which means “hers” in Swedish. In 1968, the company acquired the men’s clothing store “Mauritz Widforss,” leading to the addition of men’s fashion to their offerings and the name change to Hennes & Mauritz.
H&M’s business model is centered around providing fashion-forward clothing at relatively low prices, allowing customers to follow the latest trends without breaking the bank. The company is known for its frequent collaborations with high-profile designers and celebrities, which generates significant buzz and excitement around its product releases.
However, H&M has also faced criticism over the years for its fast-fashion practices, including concerns about environmental sustainability, labor practices in its supply chain, and the disposal of unsold clothing. The company has taken steps to address these issues by introducing more sustainable materials, launching recycling programs, and making commitments to improve labor conditions in its supply chain.
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes since then.