Sales development, December

Turnover for the H&M Group increased in December 2001 by 10 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.

Substantially lower stock level compared with December 2000 has led to a more quiet sales development. Lower price reductions have resulted in a considerably improved gross margin for the period.

Sales increase per month in per cent excluding currency rate changes:

1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002

December 19 7 10
January 13 22
February 27 16
March 5 27
April 18 15
May 15 20
June 7 21
July 10 18
August 3 26
September 22 34
October 5 18
November 8 20
Whole year 12 20

Sales development in the month of January is estimated to be published on 15 February 2002 at 8.30 CET.

Rolf Eriksen
Managing Director

Contact persons:

Carl-Henric Enhörning +46-8-796 5410
Leif Persson +46-8-796 1300