H&M to Open Online Store for US Customers
Those interested in fashion and shopping will be particularly pleased to learn that H&M clothing retailers have finally decided to open up an online store for U.S. shoppers.
They announced the news in a tweet earlier a year ago, but only opened the store today.
"Good morning is an understatement! H&M has decided to have online shopping in the U.S. at the turn of the year 2011/2012! Stay tuned for more," the company tweeted.
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Many retail consultants wonder why it took H&M so long to offer an online store to Americans, as it is clearly a potentially profitable idea.
"You don't want to lose out on being the port of call for younger shoppers. So H&M should really get in there," Planet Retail consultant Isabel Cavill told The New York Daily News.
In order to attract customers, H&M is offering free shipping for a limited time, but at the end of August they will charge a flat rate of $5.95, Business Week reports. This seems like a fairly good deal, but there is one catch. There is no free shipping on returns, and items cannot be returned in physical H&M stores; they must be mailed back. This surprised many critics.
"I'm particularly surprised by the lack of multichannel. Customers perceive retailers to be one company and these days demand multichannel offers such as buy online, pick-up or return in stores," Societe Generale analyst Anne Critchlow said.
But, at least variety and options will be in full force, as Nils Vinge, head of investor relation at H&M confirmed all items that are in physical H&M locations will also be available online.
