Despite the Russian war against Ukraine, H&M wants to reopen its shops in the attacked country. “The company is in close dialogue with partners and authorities and is now planning to gradually reopen most of its stores in the country from November 2023,” the Swedish clothing giant announced on Thursday to mark Ukrainian Independence Day.
According to media reports, the Spanish group Inditex with the brands Zara, Bershka and Pull&Bear is also expected to open its Ukrainian shops again in the autumn. Before the war, according to industry insiders, foreign brands had a market share of almost 60 percent in retail.
Like many other international groups, H&M closed all nine of its stores in Ukraine after the Russian attack on February 24, 2022. When asked, the company did not say which branches should be open and when.
“While the H&M Group continues to monitor developments in the country, preparations are being made to reopen most H&M stores where possible,” the statement said. “The safety of colleagues and customers will always be our top priority.” In addition to donations, the company announced that it would work with local organizations and participate in relief and reconstruction programs.
The first Ukrainian H&M store opened in Kiev almost exactly five years ago. (dpa)