Auckland store will be just the start for Swedish retailer of affordable gear H&M
Auckland shoppers can look forward to buying from Swedish giant H&M before Christmas next year, with the clothing retailer announcing its first New Zealand store will be in Sylvia Park mall in Auckland.
The popular brand is known for its affordability and collaborative designs, and H&M Australia country manager Hans Andersson said New Zealand could expect the full range of products, including womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.
"[The range] will be the same, our business idea is passion and quality at the best price and in the most sustainable way, and that goes for all markets," Mr Andersson said. "So we always have the latest fashion and the basics that are right for that season and New Zealand will get the full selection -- all those things will be there."
Prices would be similar to those in other markets, and although the size of the new store had not been confirmed yet, it was expected to be significant with a company representative saying it "did not do stores on a small scale".
H&M is in 57 nations and Australia boss Hans Andersson is keen to add New Zealand.
The retailer has so far announced only its first flagship store in Auckland, but according to Mr Andersson it plans to continue expansion across New Zealand as soon as the Sylvia Park store has opened.
"The first store and location [in a new country] is very important and it has to be big enough to show the collection and be easily accessible for many people, and now we've found that in Sylvia Park in Auckland so we're very excited about it," Mr Andersson said.
"This will be a very special occasion when we open up and obviously we do hope to continue the expansion into other areas of Auckland and New Zealand.
"We are looking for more good, exciting locations but nothing to announce for the time being. We don't have [an exact opening date] yet but it will be in time for the Christmas shopping -- that we can promise."
Like other international clothing lines such as Topshop, H&M puts out new ranges on a regular basis, with several new deliveries each week, meaning the range is constantly changing.
Mr Andersson said the New Zealand stores would also receive new clothes several times a week.
The multinational is the second-largest clothing retailer in the world behind Spanish brand Zara, and has more than 3500 stores in 57 countries.
H&M's planned New Zealand opening follows the arrival of Topshop in Auckland in March this year. A number of other retailers including Tiffany have also confirmed plans to expand to New Zealand.
The chief executive of Sylvia Park owner Kiwi Property, Chris Gudgeon, said there had been interest from other international retailers in coming to Auckland but would not confirm which brands were involved.
About H&M
• Swedish multinational retail clothing company. Sells fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers and children. • Opening store at Sylvia Park mall before Christmas 2016 with more to follow. • Will stock the full clothing range at prices similar to overseas markets. • Employs 130,000 globally. Ranges promoted by the likes of David Beckham, Katy Perry, Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
