In the month of April 2008, sales in local currencies including VAT decreased by 1 per cent compared to April previous year. Considerably colder weather in most markets compared to April 2007 led to substantially weaker sales.
The negative sales trend ended with warmer weather in the beginning of May. Sales during the first two weeks of May have been very satisfying.
The figure in parenthesis represents the sales development in comparable H&M units. Comparable units mean the stores and the internet and catalogue sales countries that have been in operation for at least a financial year. H&M's financial year extends from 1 December to 30 November.
The number of stores amounted to 1,560 on 30 April 2008 versus 1,407 on 30 April 2007.
Sales development in the month of May will be published together with the six month report on Wednesday 18 June 2008 at 8.00 CET.