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Swedish cheap-chic retailer H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) plans to open 500 to 1,000 U.S. stores in the U.S., according to www.just-style.com.

Other fast-fashion retailers Zara (19 U.S. stores) and Mango (20 U.S. stores by the end of 2007) from Spain and Britain’s Topshop (3 U.S. stores by next spring) have also sensed fertile ground in the states.

Could such a huge expansion be a lofty strategy? Currently there are only 91 stores.

Also, it is hard not to be reminded of stores like Urban Outfitters, a Philadelphia-based retailer that experienced backlash from its original followers because of suburban growth.

Margins may be up, but that’s not a signifier of long-term success in an industry this fickle. Mall stores often replicate, rather than create what’s going on in fashion. 

Furthermore, euro fashion is in direct competition with homegrown retailers like Chico’s and the Gap. How much will American consumers want? Could the entire euro craze have a product life cycle not unlike the clothing itself?


Posted by katie facada
A couple of days ago, Influx discussed the potential for brands and retailers to add experiences to their offering.

In the piece we incorrectly classified Apple as a pure brand retailer with no brand experience elements. We are wrong most of the stores have classes and group training. Which adds an educational experience element to retail. Apple also has its One 2 One Personal Training program which allows people to get personal training in a range of skills from photography to web development.

For just $99 a year, it's a great deal and a clever way for Apple to enhance its relationship with its customers.