The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Sales at fashion retailer H&M grew less than expected in the three months to the end of August, staying below pre-pandemic levels as restrictions kept shoppers away from stores.
The Swedish group said on Wednesday sales grew 9 percent from a year earlier, or 14 percent in local currency terms, to 55.6 billion crowns ($6.46 billion). Analysts polled by Refinitiv on average forecast net sales growth of 14 percent.
Net sales at the world’s second biggest fashion retailer were down 11 percent from the same quarter of 2019 before the pandemic, when they were 62.6 billion crowns.
H&M, whose shares were down 3 percent in early trade, said the pandemic continued to hit sales, with considerable variation between markets.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Lockdowns and restrictions have continued to hamper development, particularly in Asia. However, as restrictions have been eased, sales in store have picked up in many markets while online sales have continued to increase,” it said.
H&M returned to profit in its April-June quarter from a loss a year earlier due to the pandemic, with sales 4 percent higher than in 2019. But sales slowed towards the end of the quarter.
H&M’s recovery has lagged market leader Inditex, the owner of Zara, which on Wednesday reported a 7 percent rise in May-July sales compared to the same period in 2019.
H&M, which is due to publish its full fiscal third-quarter earnings report on Sept. 30, said its recovery continued with more full-price sales and good cost control.
It said about 100 stores were temporarily closed at the end of the quarter, down from about 180 at the start, with continued restrictions in most markets resulting in reduced footfall.
By Anna Ringstrom; editors: Niklas Pollard and Edmund Blair
Learn more:
H&M Lags Zara-Owner Inditex in Race to Regain Lost Sales
When the fast fashion giants announce quarterly sales on Wednesday, Inditex is seen back to pre-pandemic levels, while H&M still has some way to go.
Fast-growing start-ups like Hettas, Saysh and Moolah Kicks created sneakers designed specifically for active women. The sportswear giants are watching closely.
The companies agreed to cap credit-card swipe fees in one of the most significant antitrust settlements ever, following a legal fight that spanned almost two decades.
In an era of austerity on Wall Street, apparel businesses are more likely to be valued on their profits rather than sales, which usually means lower payouts for founders and investors. That is, if they can find a buyer in the first place.
The fast fashion giant occupies a shrinking middle ground between Shein and Zara. New CEO Daniel Ervér can lay out the path forward when the company reports quarterly results this week.