H&M Closes 128 Stores as Part of Global Footprint Optimization
Fashion retailer H&M has reduced its global store count by 128 locations as part of an ongoing optimization strategy. The company reported sales in line with the previous year despite the smaller footprint.
Swedish fashion retailer H&M has closed 128 stores worldwide as part of its ongoing retail footprint optimization plan. The company's latest six-month earnings report for 2026, ending May 31, revealed net sales of approximately 54.8 billion kronor ($5.6 billion).
Company officials noted that the sales results, in local currency terms, were largely in line with the previous year. This performance was achieved despite a reduction of around 3% in the total number of stores compared to a year earlier.
The store closures are a component of H&M's strategy to adapt to a rapidly evolving fast-fashion industry. While the company continues to open new locations, the rate of closures has outpaced new openings, leading to a net decrease in its physical retail presence.
H&M currently operates approximately 4,000 stores across 81 markets globally. These adjustments reflect broader trends in the retail sector, where companies are re-evaluating their physical store strategies in response to changing consumer habits and the growth of e-commerce.