The Swedes Love Them Some H&M
If you’re an H&M lover, then Stockholm, Sweden is the place for you. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited (maybe even the most beautiful), but there’s an H&M store at practically every corner. I spotted at least six H&M stores within a two-block radius while walking downtown last night. Really…six H&M stores…within two blocks. I even took a photo of each (see photos below).
While eating dinner at a nearby restaurant, I asked our server, “Why are there so many H&M stores within a block or two of each other?” She responded with a smile, “Why not?” Swedes love H&M. It’s where they can get high-end catwalk fashion at affordable prices.
And like Ikea, H&M was born in Sweden. Earling Persson opened his first store Hennes (the Swedish word for “hers”) in Vasteras, Sweden in 1947. At that time, Hennes sold only women’s clothing. The company didn’t start selling men’s clothing until 1968 when Persson bought Mauritz Widforss, a hunting store in Stockholm that also had a selection of menswear. That’s when the company became known as Hennes & Mauritz, hence H&M. I’m sure I’ll be seeing many more H&M stores while strolling this beautiful city the next few days.
