Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
The H&M retail company in Indonesia said it would expand to Makassar, South Sulawesi, this month, in the midst of the global economic downturn due to the corona pandemic – a condition that made H&M Global close 250 outlets this year.
H&M Indonesia Communications Manager Karina Soegarda said that her party saw the potential for growth and would optimize both digital platforms and physical outlets. He said H&M will spread its wings in Makassar, South Sulawesi this month.
“The covid-19 pandemic is accelerating digitization, which we were able to see even before the pandemic. Therefore, we are integrating our physical stores and online shops to achieve the best omni business model,” he told CNNIndonesia.com.
Karina also stated that it was too early to see the impact of the H&M global group’s decision on H&M Indonesia, which was shaded by PT Hindo.
According to him, policies differ in each country, depending on the situation in each country. Thus, the strategy and optimization of the business portfolio is adapted to conditions in the field.
He added that H&M Group’s 9-month financial report comes from the global H&M Group, meaning that it collectively includes all brands in the group such as COS, Monki, Weekday & Other Stories, H&M Home, ARKET, and Afound.
“It is too early to provide more information regarding shop closings than is already shared in the report,” said Karina.
Earlier, in an official statement, H&M Global management said the reduction in the number of stores due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has made many consumers turn to online sales. A total of 5 percent of the total 5,000 outlets will be closed worldwide.
“More and more customers are starting to shop online during the pandemic,” said H & M CEO Helena Helmersson quoted by CNN, Friday (2/10).
The Swedish company was noted to temporarily close nearly 80 percent of its outlets at the peak of Covid-19. However, entering the June-August period, the conditions are getting better because H&M has started opening stores gradually.
This improvement is also supported by the significant and profitable growth of online shopping. However, H&M sales in September were still down 5 percent over the same period last year.
“Although the challenges are far from over, we believe that the worst is over. We are in a position to get out of the crisis,” said Helena.
(well / vws)
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