H&M GROUP SALES DEVELOPMENT IN DECEMBER

In the month of December 2008, sales in local currencies including VAT increased by 3 per cent compared to December 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)
February 11(2) 15(5) 24(10)
March 0(-8) 29(17) 3(-8)
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 1,741* on 31 December 2008 versus 1,525 on 31 December 2007.

Sales development in the month of January will be published on Monday 16 February 2009 at 08.00 CET.

Rolf Eriksen, Managing Director

* Including 25 Monki and Weekday-stores.