#Retail & Brands

2024-06-27

H&M Group reports robust Q2 and six-month performance

The H&M Group has reported a robust performance in the second quarter (March 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024), with net sales rising by 3% to SEK 59,605 million. Gross profit surged by 11% to SEK 33,569 million, improving the gross margin to 56.3%. Operating profit increased significantly to SEK 7,098 million, achieving an operating margin of 11.9%. Adjusted operating profit stood at SEK 7,297 million. The result after tax soared by 52% to SEK 4,995 million.

In the first half of the year (December 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024), net sales edged up by 1% to SEK 113,274 million. Gross profit rose to SEK 61,224 million, and the operating profit increased to SEK 9,175 million. Cash flow from operating activities improved to SEK 16,567 million.

H&M has been recognized by Stand.earth for its climate initiatives, receiving the highest score among leading fashion brands. Additionally, the company’s AGM authorized the potential buyback of B shares until the 2025 AGM.

CEO Daniel Ervér highlighted the group's best results in years, emphasizing the company's strong financial position and commitment to sustainable growth. Despite a predicted 6% decrease in June sales due to adverse weather conditions, H&M remains optimistic about continued growth.

Key Highlights:

+ Q2 net sales: +3% to SEK 59,605 million

+ Q2 gross profit: +11% to SEK 33,569 million

+ H1 net sales: +1% to SEK 113,274 million

+ H1 gross profit: SEK 61,224 million

+ Stand.earth recognition for climate efforts

+ Authorization for potential B share buyback

With a focus on customer experience and strategic investments, H&M is poised for profitable and sustainable growth.

Italian textile machinery innovation takes center stage in Frankfurt for Techtextil 2026

The Italian textile machinery industry is gearing up for a key event on the international trade fair calendar: Techtextil 2026, taking place from April 21–24 in Frankfurt, Germany. A prestigious representation of Italian companies will participate in the German exhibition—a global benchmark for technical and innovative textiles—to present cutting-edge technologies dedicated to an ever-expanding market.

Between innovation pressure and production readiness: Techtextil 2026 showcases market-ready defence textiles

EU defence spending reached a record level of around €381 billion in 2025. The importance of textile innovation in this context is underscored by the European Defence Fund’s 2026 Work Programme, which identifies “smart and multifunctional textiles” as a dedicated priority area. Techtextil translates this demand into industrial practice. From 21 to 24 April 2026, more than 10 per cent of over 1,500 exhibitors in Frankfurt am Main will present material innovations for protective textiles.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 concludes, connecting buyers with innovative selection of sustainable yarns and fibres

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed more than 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair highlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future. Exhibitors presented eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, alongside innovative options such as sweat-resistant and high-performance materials. A comprehensive fringe programme further enriched the event, offering practical market insights and new networking opportunities.

ANDRITZ at Techtextil 2026: Sustainability and advanced technologies

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at Techtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, from April 21 to 24, 2026 (Hall 12, B95). ANDRITZ will focus on technologies for durable and technical nonwovens, sustainable fiber processes, textile recycling, and life-cycle services.

Recover™ secures multi-year recycled cotton agreement with H&M

Recover™ has signed a multi-year agreement with H&M to support the integration of its recycled cotton fiber, RCotton, for use in H&M’s products. Since early 2024, H&M and Recover™ have collaborated on product development, which now enables scaled commercial introduction of Recover™ mechanically recycled cotton into H&M’s collections.

GORE-TEX® KIDSWEAR launches innovative membership scheme for kids’ jackets

With its revolutionary new membership model, GORE-TEX® Kidswear now offers families a simple, flexible and sustainable way of kitting out their children in top-quality jackets. It is aimed at the parents of children aged between five and ten and kicks off with a choice of functional winter jackets.

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Shima Seiki showcases WHOLEGARMENT® and 3D knitting solutions for technical textiles at Techtextil 2026

Leading textile technology solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, along with its Italian subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., will be participating in the Techtextil 2026 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany next month. On display will be WHOLEGARMENT® and other advanced three-dimensional knitting applications across a wide range of industries besides fashion apparel that are not typically associated with knitting, such as technical textiles using industrial materials and advanced three-dimensional knitting.