Who is H&M?

[bill_bain]

OK, I'm expressing my ignorance here, but I'm missing the shorthand. Who is H&M?

 

[Tokyo Slim]

H&M is a store. Don't have them here in Seattle, but I went to one in San Fran.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

It stands for "Hennes & Mauritz". Some Swede started a womens wear store back in the 50s or 60s and called it "Hennes" (="Hers&quot. Then he bought out a competitor and swallowed up the name, making his chain "Hennes & Mauritz". I'm sure wikipedia could give you a clearer and more accurate history, but there you have it.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Like that other Swedish store IKEA, H&M aims at world domination.

 

[j]

They're taking their time, that's for sure. I'd shop there, probably more than any of the BR/Gap/Express/other clones if they had one here.

 

[gamelan]

random piece of trivia. owner Stefan Persson is #17 on Forbes billionaire list at $18.4 billion. that's a lot of M65s.

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/10/...sson_XM99.html

-Jeff

 

[mumbojumbo]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

Like that other Swedish store IKEA, H&M aims at world domination.

Dont forget Tetra-Pak.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by mumbojumbo

Dont forget Tetra-Pak.

To say nothing of Abba, seatbelts and a cushy cradle-to-the-grave welfare state model.

 

[Eternal]

Now they go for quality for a higher price also, check it out guys, the bags are to die for! www.cosstores.com

Any comments?

 

[Brian SD]

H&M is like the IKEA of fashion. They basically feed off trends from the last year and make cheap knockoffs at really low prices.

So naturally, it's a great place to check out every once in awhile.

They get new stock in by the week. The stuff they sell is pretty much disposable, but that's what's great about it. You don't feel bad if you trash up a $14 dress shirt or even a $50 peacoat.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Brian SD

They get new stock in by the week. The stuff they sell is pretty much disposable, but that's what's great about it.

"contemporary and temporary" is how a cousin of mine in norway described h&m

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by j

I'd shop there, probably more than any of the BR/Gap/Express/other clones if they had one here.

I'm not sure you would J. I thought the same before they opened a store in my city and now I wouldn't be caught dead in an H&M store. 1) the shopping experience is terrible (masses of 12- to 15-yr olds everywhere, hangin out...), 2) after a few repeat purchases, one realizes that the quality is just absolute crap - far worse than Gap - and to me that's pretty depressing; 3) if you see some item you like at H&M and there is an H&M in your city, chances are you will see that item everywhere on 15-yr olds for about 2 months - i guess that's the concept... mass fashion

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

To say nothing of Abba, seatbelts and a cushy cradle-to-the-grave welfare state model.

And Ace of Base. Never underestimate Ace of Base!

 

[pfr0g]

Originally Posted by gdl203

I'm not sure you would J. I thought the same before they opened a store in my city and now I wouldn't be caught dead in an H&M store. 1) the shopping experience is terrible (masses of 12- to 15-yr olds everywhere, hangin out...), 2) after a few repeat purchases, one realizes that the quality is just absolute crap - far worse than Gap - and to me that's pretty depressing; 3) if you see some item you like at H&M and there is an H&M in your city, chances are you will see that item everywhere on 15-yr olds for about 2 months - i guess that's the concept... mass fashion

Agree 100%

My fiance always bitches that I spend too much money on clothes and that my choices are not fashionable (lol). So to appease her I went to H&M to get some things she liked. The quality is complete crap and did not hold up for even one season of wearing/washing. I would rather spend 10x the money and get a few quality pieces that will last.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

I agree that their major, recognizable designer-imposter pieces are both shoddily constructed and literally ubiquitous, and you really have to be wary to make sure you arent buying polyester, but for minor stuff h&m is great. Forget your sunglasses at home? that'll be $6.90 for a pair on par with some $30 urban outfitters stuff.

I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the brand as the oldest jeans I own are some grey h&ms I bought somehwere in germany many years ago. At this point, they are so soft & worn that they may as well be pajama pants, but I still wear them fondly.

It's a crapshoot is I guess what I mean.