H&M, the world’s second-largest clothing retailer, reported better than expected quarterly profits as it raised prices and consumers returned to its stores following coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. The Swedish group on Wednesday said its second-quarter gross margin rose to 52.2 per cent in the three months to the end of May, up from 50.9 per cent in the same period a year ago. Sales in stores were especially strong, said chief executive Helena Helmersson.
The world’s second-biggest fashion retailer, saw pre-tax profits of 4.78 billion Swedish crowns (£385m, $471m) in the second quarter of the year