H&M GROUP SALES DEVELOPMENT IN MARCH

In the month of March 2009, sales in local currencies including VAT increased by 6 per cent compared to March previous year.

Sales increase per month in per cent excl. currency rate changes:

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
December 14(4) 16(5) 10(-1) 3(-7)
January 15(5) 16(5) 17(3) 9(-1)
February 11(2) 15(5) 24(10) 1(-8)
March 0(-8) 29(17) 3(-8) 6(-3)
April 9(1) 21(8) -1(-10)
May 13(5) 10(-2) 25(14)
June 9(1) 17(5) 8(-2)
July 11(2) 14(2) 15(3)
August 15(5) 11(-1) 8(-3)
September 9(0) 25(12) 10(-2)
October 12(3) 15(3) 9(-2)
November 11(2) 14(1) 7(-4)

Whole year 11(2) 17(5) 11(-1)

The figure in parenthesis represents the sales development in comparable H&M units. Comparable units mean the stores and the internet and catalogue sales countries that have been in operation for at least a financial year. H&M’s financial year is 1 December to 30 November.

The number of stores amounted to 1,767 on 31 March 2009 versus 1,546 on 31 March 2008.

Sales development in the month of April will be published on Friday 15 May 2009 at 08.00 CET.

Rolf Eriksen, Managing Director