Who Owns H&M?
H&M is owned by H&M Group, a publicly traded Swedish multinational company founded by Erling Persson in 1947. H&M Group trades on Nasdaq Stockholm under ticker HM-B and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Parent Company
H&M Group
Founded
1947
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Stockholm, Sweden
Who Owns H&M?
- Parent Company: H&M Group
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Nasdaq Stockholm: HM-B
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| H&M | H&M Group | Wholly owned |
History of H&M
- Founded: 1947
- Founders: Erling Persson
H&M was founded in 1947 by Erling Persson when he opened his first women's clothing store called "Hennes" (Swedish for "Hers") in Vasteras, Sweden. Persson had been inspired by a trip to the United States, where he observed the success of high-volume, low-price retail concepts. He applied this model to fashion, offering stylish women's clothing at prices significantly below those of traditional Swedish retailers.
The store was an immediate success, and Persson expanded across Sweden throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In 1968, Persson acquired Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing equipment store in Stockholm. The acquisition brought menswear into the company's offerings, and the business was renamed "Hennes & Mauritz," later abbreviated to H&M. This expansion from women's-only to men's and eventually children's clothing broadened the brand's appeal dramatically.
H&M's international expansion began in 1964 with a store in Norway, followed by Denmark and the United Kingdom. The company went public on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1974, providing capital for further growth. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, H&M expanded aggressively across Europe, establishing itself as one of the continent's largest fashion retailers.
The brand's entry into the U.S. market in 2000, with a flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, marked a significant milestone. H&M's combination of trendy designs at affordable prices resonated with American consumers, and the company rapidly expanded across North America. The 2004 collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, creative director of Chanel, pioneered the concept of high-fashion designer collaborations with mass-market retailers. Subsequent collaborations with Versace, Balmain, Stella McCartney, and other luxury designers generated enormous media attention and long queues outside stores.
The Persson family has maintained control of H&M through generations. Stefan Persson, Erling's son, served as chairman for many years, and his son Karl-Johan Persson served as CEO from 2009 to 2020. The family holds approximately 45% of H&M Group shares and over 70% of voting rights through a dual-class share structure.
In recent years, H&M has faced intense competition from ultra-fast-fashion online retailers like Shein and has invested heavily in sustainability initiatives, e-commerce capabilities, and new brand concepts to maintain relevance with younger consumers.
About H&M Group
What does H&M Group own?
H&M Group owns seven retail brands: H&M, the flagship fast-fashion brand operating in more than 75 markets; COS, a premium contemporary brand; Monki, a youth-oriented sustainable fashion brand; Weekday, a denim and streetwear brand; Arket, a premium lifestyle brand; & Other Stories, a women's fashion and beauty brand; and Afound, an outlet retail brand. The group operates more than 4,000 stores worldwide and sells products online in all of its markets.
Is H&M Group publicly traded?
Yes, H&M Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under ticker HM-B. The company has been publicly listed since 1974. However, the Persson family holds a controlling interest through a dual-class share structure in which their A-shares carry ten votes per share compared to one vote per share for the publicly traded B-shares. This structure gives the Persson family effective control over the company despite not holding a majority of the economic interest.
Who founded H&M Group?
H&M Group was founded by Erling Persson in 1947 in Vasteras, Sweden. Persson opened the first Hennes store selling women's clothing at affordable prices. In 1968, he acquired Mauritz Widforss, a Stockholm retailer, which led to the company being renamed Hennes & Mauritz and later H&M. Erling Persson's son Stefan Persson joined the company in 1972 and became managing director in 1982, leading the company's international expansion.
Where is H&M Group headquartered?
H&M Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The company's registered office and principal executive offices are located in Stockholm. H&M Group does not own manufacturing facilities and sources its products from a global network of approximately 900 suppliers, primarily in Bangladesh, China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
How many brands does H&M Group own?
H&M Group operates seven retail brands: H&M, COS, Monki, Weekday, Arket, & Other Stories, and Afound. The H&M brand is by far the largest, accounting for the substantial majority of group revenue and operating more than 3,000 of the group's approximately 4,000 stores. The other six brands collectively address more specific consumer segments and price points.
Who owns H&M Group?
H&M Group is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, but the Persson family holds a controlling interest through Ramsbury Invest AB, their holding company. The family's A-share holdings give them effective voting control through the company's dual-class share structure. Stefan Persson, son of founder Erling Persson, is the primary representative of the founding family's interest. Karl-Johan Persson, Stefan's son, serves as chairman of the board.
- Founded: 1947
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Nasdaq Stockholm: HM-B
- Revenue: approximately SEK 234 billion (FY2025, year ended 30 November 2025)
- Employees: Approximately 155,000
Where Is H&M Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
- Manufacturing / Operations: China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Various international locations
H&M Sustainability & Ethics
H&M operates with a comprehensive sustainability framework that addresses environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and social impact across the global fashion industry. As one of the world's largest fashion retailers, H&M's sustainability efforts focus on circular fashion, ethical manufacturing, and environmental stewardship in the highly competitive fast-fashion market.
Circular Fashion and Recycling Programs: H&M has implemented extensive clothing recycling programs in stores worldwide, allowing customers to bring in unwanted garments for recycling. The company's garment collection initiative has collected millions of tons of textiles since its launch, with recycled materials being incorporated into new product lines. H&M's commitment to circular fashion includes developing closed-loop systems where old garments become raw materials for new clothing.
Sustainable Materials and Innovation: H&M has significantly increased its use of sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and innovative eco-friendly fabrics. The company has set ambitious targets for sustainable material usage and works with textile innovators to develop new environmentally friendly materials that maintain quality and affordability standards.
Ethical Manufacturing and Labor Rights: H&M maintains comprehensive supplier codes of conduct and monitoring systems to ensure ethical labor practices across its global supply chain. The company's ethical manufacturing program includes regular factory audits, worker empowerment initiatives, and partnerships with labor rights organizations to improve working conditions in garment manufacturing facilities.
Environmental Impact Reduction: H&M has implemented extensive environmental programs to reduce water usage, energy consumption, and chemical impacts in textile production. The company's environmental initiatives include water recycling in manufacturing, renewable energy adoption in stores and facilities, and chemical management programs to eliminate harmful substances from production processes.
Climate Commitment and Carbon Reduction: H&M has committed to becoming climate positive by 2040, with ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain. The company's climate strategy includes renewable energy investments, supply chain decarbonization, and carbon offsetting programs to achieve net-negative emissions.
Transparency and Supply Chain Visibility: H&M has increased transparency in its supply chain operations, providing public information about supplier facilities and manufacturing locations. The company's transparency initiatives include supplier disclosure programs and public reporting on sustainability performance and progress toward environmental and social goals.
Affordable Sustainability Innovation: H&M focuses on making sustainable fashion accessible to mainstream consumers through affordable pricing on eco-friendly collections. The company's Conscious Exclusive line and other sustainable product lines demonstrate how environmental responsibility can be combined with mass-market accessibility and affordability.
Awards & Recognition
H&M has received extensive recognition across the fashion and retail industries for its sustainability leadership, innovation in affordable fashion, and contributions to making sustainable clothing accessible to mainstream consumers. The brand's global reach and commitment to environmental responsibility have been acknowledged as setting standards in the fast-fashion industry.
Sustainability Leadership Awards: H&M has been consistently recognized by sustainability organizations and environmental groups for its comprehensive sustainability programs and circular fashion initiatives. The company's clothing recycling programs, sustainable material usage, and climate commitments have been acknowledged as demonstrating leadership in environmental responsibility within the fashion industry.
Fashion Innovation Recognition: H&M has received awards from fashion industry organizations for its innovative approach to combining affordability with style and quality. The company's ability to quickly translate runway trends into affordable mainstream fashion has been acknowledged as revolutionizing the fashion retail industry and making fashion accessible to global consumers.
Retail Excellence Awards: H&M has been recognized by retail industry organizations for its store design, customer experience, and global expansion strategies. The company's successful entry into diverse international markets and its ability to adapt to local consumer preferences while maintaining brand consistency have been acknowledged as demonstrating retail excellence.
Circular Economy Leadership: H&M's garment collection and recycling programs have received recognition from circular economy organizations and waste reduction groups. The company's efforts to create closed-loop systems for textile production and its commitment to reducing fashion waste have been acknowledged as pioneering circular economy practices in the fashion industry.
Worker Empowerment Recognition: H&M's programs to improve working conditions and empower workers in its supply chain have received recognition from labor rights organizations and ethical business groups. The company's fair living wage programs and worker education initiatives have been acknowledged as contributing to improved labor standards in the garment industry.
Climate Action Awards: H&M's climate commitments and carbon reduction programs have been recognized by environmental organizations and climate action groups. The company's ambitious climate positive goals and investments in renewable energy have been acknowledged as demonstrating corporate leadership in addressing climate change.
Digital Innovation Recognition: H&M has received awards for its digital transformation initiatives, including its e-commerce platform, mobile apps, and omnichannel retail experiences. The company's ability to integrate digital and physical retail experiences has been acknowledged as demonstrating innovation in fashion retail technology.
Brand Value and Market Recognition: H&M has been consistently recognized as one of the world's most valuable fashion brands by brand valuation organizations and market research firms. The company's strong brand recognition, global market presence, and consistent financial performance have been acknowledged as demonstrating successful brand management and market positioning.
H&M Recalls & Controversies
H&M has faced several significant controversies and challenges throughout its history, particularly related to labor practices, environmental impacts, and cultural sensitivity issues. These challenges reflect the complex ethical and operational issues faced by global fast-fashion companies in highly competitive international markets.
Labor Practices and Working Conditions: H&M has faced criticism and controversies regarding labor practices in its supply chain, particularly concerning working conditions and wages in garment factories in Bangladesh and other low-cost manufacturing countries. The company has been implicated in factory safety issues and has faced pressure from labor rights organizations to improve working conditions and ensure fair wages for garment workers.
Environmental Impact Controversies: H&M has faced criticism regarding the environmental impact of fast fashion, particularly concerning water usage, chemical pollution, and textile waste. The company's business model of rapid fashion turnover has been criticized by environmental groups for contributing to overconsumption and textile waste, though H&M has implemented sustainability programs to address these concerns.
Cultural Insensitivity Incidents: H&M has faced several controversies related to cultural insensitivity in product design and marketing. Notably, the company faced backlash in 2018 for featuring a Black child model wearing a hoodie with the phrase "coolest monkey in the jungle," which was widely criticized as racially insensitive and led to product removal and public apologies.
Greenwashing Accusations: H&M has faced accusations of greenwashing regarding its sustainability claims and environmental initiatives. Critics have questioned the authenticity and effectiveness of the company's sustainability programs, suggesting that marketing claims may exceed actual environmental performance and impact reduction.
Supply Chain Transparency Issues: Despite improvements in supply chain transparency, H&M has faced criticism regarding the adequacy of its disclosure about supplier facilities and labor conditions. The company has been pressured by activist groups and consumers to provide more detailed information about manufacturing locations and working conditions.
Overproduction and Waste Concerns: H&M's business model has been criticized for contributing to overproduction and textile waste in the fashion industry. The company's rapid inventory turnover and frequent new product introductions have been identified as contributing to the problem of clothing waste and environmental degradation.
Price Fixing Allegations: H&M has faced regulatory scrutiny in some markets regarding pricing practices and competition concerns. The company has had to address allegations of anti-competitive behavior in certain jurisdictions and adjust its pricing and business practices accordingly.
Fast Fashion Business Model Criticism: H&M as a fast-fashion pioneer has faced broader criticism regarding the sustainability of its business model. Environmental and labor advocacy groups have challenged the fundamental premise of rapid fashion turnover and low-cost production, calling for more sustainable approaches to clothing retail and consumption.
H&M Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong global brand recognition and retail presence
- +Established fast-fashion supply chain and design capabilities
- +Multiple brand portfolio serving different market segments
- +Significant investments in sustainability
- +Strong financial position and global distribution
Considerations
- -Intense competition from ultra-fast-fashion online retailers
- -Sustainability challenges in fast-fashion business model
- -Inventory management and overstock issues
- -Changing consumer preferences toward sustainable fashion
- -Currency fluctuations affecting international operations
Frequently Asked Questions About H&M
Sources & Further Reading
- H&M Official Website -
- H&M Group Official Website -
- Nasdaq Stockholm: H&M Group (HM-B) -
- H&M Sustainability Report -
- Fashion Industry Analysis Reports -- Industry publications
- Fast Fashion Research Studies -- Academic and research publications
- Sustainable Fashion Guidelines -- Environmental organizations
- Labor Rights and Supply Chain Reports -- Human rights organizations
- Circular Economy and Textile Recycling Research -- Sustainability publications
- Retail Industry Market Analysis -- Business publications
Where to Buy
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H&M on AmazonCompetitors to H&M
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic Brands Group | USA (ABG headquarters) | 1984 | Mass market | Global | Womens | |
| Zara | Spain | 1975 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Gildan Activewear | USA | 1989 | Mass market | United states | Unisex | |
| Berkshire Hathaway | USA | 1870 | Luxury | United states | Unisex | |
| Fast Retailing | Japan | 2006 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Victorias Secret Co | USA | 1977 | Mass market | Global | Unisex |
Learn More About Competitors
Forever 21
Owned by Authentic Brands Group
American fast fashion brand owned by Authentic Brands Group; the U.S. retail operating company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025 and closed all 354 U.S. stores.
Zara
Owned by Zara
Spanish clothing retailer known for its fast-fashion business model and ability to quickly respond to changing fashion trends.
American Apparel
Owned by Gildan Activewear
Los Angeles-based clothing retailer known for vertically integrated manufacturing and ethically made basics.
Borsheims Fine Jewelry
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
American luxury jewelry retailer specializing in fine jewelry and watches, owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
GU
Owned by Fast Retailing
Japanese casual fashion brand offering trendy, affordable clothing for young consumers, owned by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Victoria's Secret
Owned by Unknown Company
American lingerie, clothing, and beauty retailer known for its fashion shows and catalogues, specializing in women's intimate apparel and beauty products.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: H&M competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
H&M Group Stock Information
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