H&M to open store in Israel

December 10, 2008 - 6:30 PM by Harry

I was first introduced to the wonders of H&M by my far more fashionable wife a few years ago during a trip to New York. It’s a bit embarrassing to say but if there is an H&M in a country we are visiting, we seek it out. We like big savings, what can I say? The Swedish company is known for its fashionable yet incredibly affordable clothing (though the quality varies from garment to garment) and currently has more than 1,600 stores in 34 different countries. This week they announced that they will be expanding into the Israeli market, the first store to open in 2010.

Israelis have been yearning for H&M for some time now. A very popular Facebook group called “Open an H&M store in Israel!” led the rallying call:

This group is open to all people living in Israel who want great clothes for a cheap price right around the corner. You know what? We don’t even mind driving an hour or two to get there, as long as we don’t have to wait until we go abroad or ask someone else who’s going to get H&M stuff for us (and you know they never get it right!). And we definitely won’t settle for that chain which goes by an almost identical name… We shall not be fooled!

I guess I’m not the only one who goes on a H&M shopping spree when I am abroad. There was also instant backlash to this Facebook group. A counter-group was created called “DO NOT open an H&M store in Israel” not created with a message of hate, but rather love. They believe that if H&M comes to Israel, it will no longer be special and unique because everyone here will be wearing their fashions. (my wife informed me just now via instant messenger and her Facebook status that she agrees with this). In my opinion the real issue here is whether H&M will be able to keep their costs down here. Taxes are very high and nothing is really cheap (except maybe a bowl of good soup). That’s the real challenge and will be the key to their success in Israel. And hey, we’ve got the GAP coming too so you can always shop there – that is, if you don’t care about originality.

Tags: , , , , • Category: Israeliness 

Comments

3 Comments on H&M to open store in Israel

  1. Nicky on Tue, Dec 16th 2008 10:43 AM

    2. While I’m glad to hear that H&M will be opening up shortly, there’s part of me that thinks it’s rather sad. All the high streets will soon look the same, the world over. I like the differences.

  2. judy on Tue, Dec 23rd 2008 4:16 PM

    3. Wondering if H&M looks at local talent for Israeli designers to join the H&M design team – now wouldn’t that be cool…

  3. nishant on Fri, Oct 2nd 2009 10:25 PM

    4. glad to know that it is opeing there also…….because i am also the staff of h &m in middle east , so obviously i feel good for the expansion of my company worldwide

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