Get excited Mandurah fashionistas – after months of anticipation H&M open its doors on Thursday.
In a sneak peek tour on Wednesday, Australian H&M country manager Hans Andersson told the Mandurah Mail, that while he has opened many stores in Australia, Thursday’s opening still brings about a nervous anticipation.
“I've been with H&M for over 30 years and I don't know how many store openings I have been to but it's like premiere night and even if I'm not the head actor, I got butterflies forming in my stomach,” he said.
“I'm always nervous – I think that's a good thing; we should be nervous – in a positive way.
“But it's like adding a new family member each time.”
Mr Andersson said he hoped customers will find the store to be like “a big warm, welcoming magnet” from the moment the ribbon is cut this morning.
While the clothing is an important part of what H&M offers, Thursday’s opening and the days which follow are all about the customer’s shopping experience.
“That's what we always do at H&M because of course garments, quality, prices and fashion – all of that has to be right – but at the end of the day, it's the team here that create the vibes and spirit,” Mr Andersson said.
“We've got an amazing team here where I think 90 percent of everyone we hired, they are local; they're here from Mandurah.”
I think it has nothing to do with age or if you are a fashionista. If you're interested in looking good, it's a mindset.
- Australian H&M country manager Hans Andersson
Thursday's 10am opening – which includes as special dance performance from H&M employees – is expected to have a line of customers waiting to see what the store has on offer.
And according to Mandurah store manager Kiara Whyte what’s in store will be great deals on womenswear, menswear and kidswear.
“Mandurah is so excited and it's so exciting to see how excited the town is,” she said.
“I have been in Mandurah for the last two weeks getting to know the locals and a lot of our team are from Mandurah so they're all so excited and their friends are excited, their family is excited, so I think we're going to have a really good turn out.”
And for those who aren’t lucky enough to make the opening, there will plenty new to see in coming weeks.
Mr Andersson said the store would be expected have new arrivals several times a week, catering for every style.
“I think that H&M is for everyone who is interested in how they look – you don't have to be a fashion addict,” he said.
“I think it has nothing to do with age or if you are a fashionista. If you're interested in looking good, it's a mindset.”
Amy Martin
As the lifestyle reporter, I love finding out what makes people tick and giving insight into the different ways that you can enjoy the city we live in. Email: amy.martin@canberratimes.com.au
As the lifestyle reporter, I love finding out what makes people tick and giving insight into the different ways that you can enjoy the city we live in. Email: amy.martin@canberratimes.com.au
