Global retailer H&M is headed to downtown Detroit this fall.
The fast fashion company signed a lease with Bedrock for its first ever Detroit location with plans to open up shop in Fall 2019.
H&M will be housed in a 25,000 square-foot space spanning three buildings on the west side of Woodward between John R. and Park Avenue.
Downtown shopper Lauren Mammina was thrilled to hear the news.
“I just saw on Facebook today. I’m really excited. It’s great for Detroit to have a variety of a different market of shopping retail," she told Action 7 News.
Many Detroit shoppers see the store as an affordable alternative to higher-end chains.
"It gets pricey over here, so I think having something that is still kind of upscale but not as expensive is going to draw in a lot of younger people," Riley Connell said.
“When we started work on the former site of the JL Hudson’s department store approximately one year ago, stories from the public poured in about memories of shopping along Woodward Avenue, said Dan Gilbert, Bedrock Founder and Chairman. H&M is one of those flagship retail stores that will take the Woodward Avenue shops to Page 2 of 4 another level. We are hopeful that new memories and experiences will be formed once again along Woodward Avenue. H&M is opening a major Detroit store because it is good for their business. Retailers, tech startups, industrial companies, and people old and young are to choosing to stay in Detroit and coming from all over because the Motor City is where the opportunities are abundant. It is an exciting time in Detroit and H&M will only add to the unparalleled momentum.”
There are more than 10 locations across Michigan in malls and outlets.
Globally, H&M plans to close more than 100 stores. A spokesperson for the retail giant issued the following statement on the worldwide closures:
"This is a global figure. Looking at our store portfolio and the location of our stores to adapt to changing customer behavior is something that has been part of our business concept for well over 70 years. We are continuing to expand and look forward to opening many exciting new locations in 2019 as well as growing our online business. We are thrilled to announce this new location at 1505 Woodward Avenue, adding to our other 18 locations in the state, and provide our customers and fans in Detroit with even more affordable fashion at the best price and in a sustainable way."
H&M will become the largest retailer in Bedrock's portfolio.
One of the storefronts H&M will rent has roots in the fashion industry; 1505 Woodward once housed a men's clothing store.
