In February 2012, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) total sales including VAT in local currencies increased by 13 percent compared to the same month the previous year. Sales in comparable units increased by 2 percent. Comparable units comprise the stores and the internet and catalogue sales countries that have been in operation for at least a financial year.
Sales in February were positively affected by approximately 3 percentage points due to the leap day on 29 February 2012.
In the first quarter, i.e. 1 December 2011 to 29 February 2012, sales including VAT increased by 13 percent in local currencies compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Sales in comparable units increased by 3 percent.
Sales in the first quarter converted into SEK amounted to SEK 32,503 m (28,708) including VAT.
Sales excluding VAT amounted to SEK 27,832 m (24,503).
The total number of stores amounted to 2,491 on 29 February 2012 versus 2,212 on 28 February 2011.
Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) was founded in Sweden in 1947 and is quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. The company's business concept is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. In addition to H&M, the group includes the brands COS, Monki, Weekday and Cheap Monday as well as H&M Home. The H&M Group has around 2,500 stores in 44 markets including franchise markets.