The decision for H&M Group to reopen stores in Ukraine comes after extensive consultations with partners and authorities, with the gradual reopening set to commence in November 2023.
The fashion giant says its commitment to Ukraine goes beyond business, as it has maintained a continuous dialogue with local stakeholders.
A H&M Group spokesperson tells Just Style: "Our intention has always been to open as soon as the situation allows .. from November we will gradually begin reopening the majority of our stores where this is deemed possible.”
With a vigilant eye on the situation, H&M Group is diligently preparing to reopen a majority of its stores within Ukraine and keeping the safety and well-being of both colleagues and customers as the overarching priority.
Offering her perspective on the situation GlobalData analyst Louise Deglise-Favre believes that opening stores in regions of Ukraine, such as Kyiv, which has experienced comparatively less conflict in recent times, seems to be a sensible decision on H&M Group’s part.
Although there has not been any official statement, it caught Deglise-Favre’s attention that H&M Group’s announcement comes amid reports that its biggest competitor Inditex is allegedly gearing up to reopen stories in the country in the coming Autumn.
Inditex had not responded directly to Just Style’s request for comment at the time of going to press.
In addition to the previous charitable donations to the people of Ukraine, H&M Group is partnering with local organisations on the ground to focus on engaging in relief and rebuilding initiatives programmes.
The H&M Group spokesperson affirmed that more information will shared closer to the opening as it was too early to go into more details on its reopening plans in its different locations.
