Persson took the helm of H&M in 1982 and made it one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world, operating in 75 markets, including South Africa, delivering 19bn euros in sales. Under his leadership, H&M also pioneered the highly successful celebrity and designer collaborations including with Stella McCartney, Donatella Versace and Karl Largerfeld.
The World Retail Hall of Fame honours retail’s most influential representatives. Founded in 2007, each year only three to four new members are inducted.
According to the World Retail Congress the Hall of Fame members share many qualities. “They are innovators. They are brand builders. They demonstrate clear vision, courage and determination to make their dream a reality. They have profound customer insight, and they are driven to improve the lives of consumers. But above all, they are leaders and role models. They are men and women who have the drive and conviction to inspire their people to follow them on the course they’ve set.”
The HM Group opened the first Hennes store in the Swedish city Västerås in 1947. It opened its doors in South Africa in 2015 with a flagship store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Today it has 27 store in the country
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