Still not quite understanding why H & M is a "thing" From some of the other comments, it sounds like the men's department at Stein Mart. If that is the case, why was it ever bantered about as a potential tenant for Utica Square??? How is H & M particularly hip and how does it really define a mall or concentrated shopping area? Last gasp at improving or saving terrestrial retail?
It's trendy clothes for younger people that looks stylish and about as good looking as Banana Republic, but at a third the price or so (they have baby clothes all the way up to adult). It's fast fashion that will probably develop holes within a year of wear or less. So cheaply made stuff that is the "in" look. Most of their clientele will only wear the items a season or so anyways. Very wasteful, but fits the market they're going for.
Basically like Forever 21 but for both sexes (although it might have a mens section now also). It's sort of like the new Old Navy, but aesthetically better. People want $10 shirts and $30 or less pants.
Where else can you get current-trend pants so cheaply priced?
https://www2.hm.com/en_us/men/products/pants/pants.htmlOr slim-fit button-up dress shirts for $15?
https://www2.hm.com/en_us/men/products/shirts.htmlWith so many living paycheck-to-paycheck and facing pressure to fit in and look cool, no wonder fast-fashion is growing so fast. They beat Walmart prices and provide aesthetic that resembles the expensive mall brands. H&M is sort of like Amazon for fashion. Excellent supply chain, great for those on a budget, but likely terrible for the planet and (eventually) the free market.