H&M Draws Long Lines In Russia As Stores Briefly Open For One Last Hurrah

When Russia first began its invasion of Ukraine, many global brands responded to the incident by halting operations in the country, with H&M being no exception. 

The fashion retailer shuttered all its 168 stores in the country in a bid to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people, saying it was “deeply concerned about the tragic developments” and that it was supporting “all the people who are suffering.” 

Earlier this week, however, long lines formed in front of H&M’s Russian outlets once again, but it’s not because the company has reneged on its promise to Ukraine. 

In fact, it was quite the opposite, with the stores opening one last time to let go of unsold inventory before the brand leaves the country for good. 

According to the Moscow Times, H&M had started operating in the nation all the way back in 2009, and it appears to be popular among the general public, considering the long snaking lines as hopefuls wait to snag the last of a deal. 

All of its stores are expected to reopen in the coming weeks in a last-ditch attempt at selling stock, though the company was reported by Kommersant as already looking for a buyer to take over the outlets and its distribution center. 

[via Reuters and The Moscow Times, cover image via ThamKC / Shutterstock.com]