H&M opens to large crowds

Global retailer sells trendy fashions for men, women, kids

Amid a frenzy of blaring hip-hop music, dancing sales clerks and cheering crowds, Dayton’s first H&M store opened its doors Thursday at the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

By the time the red ribbon was cut at noon, hundreds of enthusiastic customers — most in their teens and 20s — were waiting in line to enter the new 22,000-square-foot store that features trendy men’s, women’s and children’s fashions at moderate prices. The store also carries accessories, lingerie, sports apparel, maternity and a plus-size line.

H & M was founded in Sweden in 1947 and has 313 stores in the U.S. and approximately 3,200 in 54 markets worldwide. Dayton is Ohio’s ninth location, 20 employees have been hired.

Jasmine Higgins, 20, was second in line Thursday morning, and said she loves H&M.

“The clothing is very stylish and affordable for the quality,” said the 20-year-old who’d come in search of clothes for her upcoming summer internship.

H&M’s ‘Conscious’ initiative encourages customers to bring any used clothing to the stores. For each bag of garments they donate, they receive a 15 percent voucher for a discount on their next purchase. For every pound of clothing collected, one cent is donated to a local charity.

Cousins Kelsey Claar and Averi Boysel came to buy dresses for a family wedding and parties.

“Normally I shop at The Greene, but this will give us a reason to come back to the Fairfield Mall,” said Claar, who is from Springfield. “I think H&M will really rejuvenate this Mall.”

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