H&M confirms 160 more store closures in 2026 after shutting 163 last year
Those who love shopping at H&M won't be happy to hear this news. The retailer has confirmed it will be closing another 160 stores this year, leaving loyal customers with even fewer options for in-store shopping.
The retailer closed stores in 2025
What makes the news even more disappointing for fans of the brand is that it has already closed 163 stores globally in 2025. These new closures make it even harder to find a physical location.
This isn't just an H&M problem, though. It's part of an industry trend where shoppers are shifting to online platforms in droves, rather than visiting the physical store.
H&M shifts focus to its online platform
The retailer saw profits dip "slightly" in the first quarter of 2026.
“The optimization of the store portfolio has had a somewhat negative impact on sales in the first quarter of 2026 due to store closures and rebuilds,” H&M said in the earnings report. “For full-year 2026, however, the sales effect from store optimization is expected to be slightly positive.”
According to the company's reports, 30% of its total revenue comes from online sales. The emphasis on its e-commerce seems to be an effort to increase that number.
Consumer habits are driving the trends
There are bound to be customers who are frustrated by these closures, but customer habits are driving the retailer's decisions.
"Shoppers are more value-driven, more online, and less loyal to traditional brick-and-mortar stores," Dominick Miserandino, CEO of Retail Tech Media Nexus, previously told The U.S. Sun.
“That’s why we’re seeing so many companies stumble. The economics are tough.”
E-commerce is where it's at
If you're one of the diehard in-person shoppers, it may be time to give e-commerce another try. With more and more retailers moving in this direction, you may not have much of a choice.
Source: The U.S. Sun
