Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was a renowned Swedish entrepreneur best known for founding Hennes & Mauritz, commonly known as H&M, a global retail clothing company. Persson revolutionized the fashion industry with the concept of "fast fashion"—offering trendy clothing at affordable prices to the mass market. Inspired by a post-World War II trip to the United States, Persson envisioned and established the company in Västerås, Sweden, in 1947. Initially named "Hennes," the store focused exclusively on women's clothing. The addition of men's apparel followed the acquisition of a hunting and outdoor store, Mauritz Widforss, in 1968, leading to the brand's rebranding to Hennes & Mauritz (H&M).
Since Erling Persson's death in 2002, H&M has continued to expand and evolve, maintaining its position as one of the world's leading fast-fashion retailers.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erling Persson |
| Born | 21 January 1917, Borlänge, Sweden |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founding H&M |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | Little formal education |
Erling Persson was born into a farming family in Borlänge, a small town in central Sweden. Growing up in a rural environment, he witnessed the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurial endeavors early on. With limited formal education, Persson moved to Stockholm, the capital city, where he worked as a salesman. This experience played a crucial role in developing his business acumen and understanding of consumer behavior.
Persson’s turning point came after World War II when he traveled to the United States. There, he was profoundly influenced by the efficiency and scale of American retail operations, especially large department stores like Macy's. This international exposure inspired Persson to introduce a similar retail model in Sweden, leading to the foundation of Hennes in 1947.
Persson’s strategy of offering chic yet affordable clothing made H&M a household name worldwide, setting the stage for what would become a dominant trend in global retail: fast fashion.
Although Erling Persson passed away in 2002, his impact on the retail and fashion industry remains significant. H&M continues to thrive under the stewardship of his descendants. The company's business model and corporate philosophy continue to reflect Persson’s visionary retail concepts, focusing on volume sales and keeping prices accessible.
Erling Persson’s pioneering vision created an indelible legacy in the fashion industry. By building H&M into an iconic global brand, he transformed the way people view affordable fashion, offering quality and style to the masses. His legacy continues through his family's ongoing leadership and sustained commitment to innovation and sustainability. The future impact of H&M and Erling Persson’s entrepreneurial spirit underscores the resilience and adaptability of his business model in a rapidly changing fashion landscape.