Profile of H&M: A Pioneer of Fast Fashion

26 pages, published in Issue 130, July-August 2007   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

H&M is one of the world?s largest and fastest growing clothing retailers. The company is also a pioneer of "fast fashion": a term used to describe clothing collections which are based on the most recent fashion trends on the catwalk but which are designed and manufactured quickly, are affordable, and are aimed at mainstream consumers. By maintaining efficiency and flexibility throughout its supply chain, H&M is able to respond quickly to changes in fashion trends.

By virtue of its fashion know-how and its adeptness in anticipating trends, H&M has achieved popularity among consumers. This popularity has enabled the company to grow at a formidable rate?despite overcrowding in the clothing market and, at times, sluggish consumer spending.

H&M has a keen understanding of its target market?which is the low price, high fashion end of the clothing sector?and is closely attuned to what mainstream consumers want. It enjoys a strong following among women, particularly those in younger age groups, who make up the majority of its customers. By selling a broad range of fashionable collections which are renewed frequently, by offering attractive prices, and by maintaining a strong presence in prime shopping locations, H&M has ensured that its stores enjoy a steady flow of customers.

Executives at H&M are passionate about their company. They are fastidious about its products and proud of its achievements. They are also sharply focused on its goals and are confident of its ability to achieve them. They are also very ambitious, and constantly challenge the established clothing habits of its consumers. In doing so, they display a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. They attract publicity using bold and striking advertising and by regularly enlisting high profile designers and celebrities to reinforce the company?s brand and image. Also, H&M has built a strong product concept, which has been successfully established in a growing number of countries

H&M?s financial performance over the past five years has been impressive. Sales and earnings have increased robustly, thus enabling the company to pursue growth opportunities and to finance expansion. Growth has also provided the funds for heavy brand promotion. Such promotion has driven sales further, thereby creating a virtuous circle.

Profile of H&M: A Pioneer of Fast Fashion

• Summary
• Introduction
• Company Development
• Corporate Structure and Strategy
• Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility
• Products
• Product Sourcing, Logistics and Distribution
• Sales and Marketing
• Financial Performance
• Outlook

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (130) now	Subscribe

• Profile of Raymond: Growth Through Foreign Collaboration and Vertical Integration, (May-June 2007)
• Profile of Oxford Industries, ( January-February 2007)
• Profile of KappAhl: A Nordic Fashion Retailer With a Distinct Product Concept, ( January-February 2007)
• Editorial: UK Clothing Retailer Marks & Spencer Turns the Corner, (November-December 2006)
• Profile of IC Companys: a Multi-Branded Approach to Fashion Retail, (November-December 2006)
• Challenges in Global Textile and Apparel Sourcing: Focus on Li & Fung, (July-August 2006)
• Fast Retailing: Raising the Profile of the Uniqlo Brand, ( September-October 2005)
• Profile of Marks & Spencer: Focus on Clothing, (May-June 2005)

Six times a year, Textile Outlook International provides up to 200 pages of expert comment and analysis. A subscription provides an overview of the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. It is essential reading for senior executives in the fibre, textile and apparel industries ? and for anyone who is not involved in the industry, but needs to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues.
Reports in Textile Outlook International include:
	country profiles ? providing a comprehensive guide to the textile and clothing industries in a range of countries and regions. The reports include an economic and political profile together with a comprehensive overview of the main issues, plus an outlook for the future.
	company profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others. Companies profiled recently include retailers, manufacturers, innovators and sourcing companies involved in textiles and apparel as well as smaller companies which illustrate the opportunities for firms which are interested in selected sourcing locations.
	trends in world textile and apparel trade and production ? taking into account current issues facing the industry ? such as global fibre prices; competition from China and other low cost countries; the elimination of quotas and imposition of selective new ones; relocation of production operations; the impact of economic factors affecting trade; international trade agreements; trade promotion agreements (TPAs); and much more.
	trends in EU and US imports of textiles and clothing ? providing comprehensive statistical data and analysis of the top ten supplying countries to the EU and US markets. These reports are updated each year and contain value and volume data as well as average prices and analyses of trends for up to 15 product categories.
	innovations, technological developments, business development opportunities, individual sector analysis and political implications which affect players in the global fibre, textile and apparel industries. Some of the topics which have been covered in recent reports include: new innovations in the textile and clothing industry, such as environmentally friendly textiles, plant based fibres, and developments in textile colorants; innovations in textile machinery; and overviews of the European swimwear, hosiery and lingerie markets.
So whether you are involved in fibres, textiles or clothing ? in manufacturing, spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, import/export, retailing ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance, a subscription to Textile Outlook International will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Textile Outlook International is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 6 printed publications a year, containing a total of 30 reports plus editorials written by Robin Anson, our editorial director and in-house industry expert.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility.