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H&M to open new store in High Chelmer centre next week. 10 hrs ago A general view of a H&M store (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) A new H&M store is set to open in Essex next week. The fashion retailer will launch its latest branch at High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford on Thursday, September 17, with in-store entertainment and exclusive gifts for early shoppers. The store spans more than 1,350 square metres across two floors and features an open-plan design, RFID-enabled checkouts, self-service tills, and click-and-collect lockers. Customers will find womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and the Divided collection, all showcased in a refreshed retail environment. Karen O'Rourke, managing director at H&M UK and Ireland, said: "Southend Round Table is delighted to be opening its new store in Chelmsford, a key location that reflects its ongoing investment in the UK market. "The store brings H&M even closer to its customers in one of Essex's most popular shopping destinations. "Opening on the launch day of our Autumn/Winter 2026 season makes this an especially exciting moment as we celebrate the new season with customers across the UK." The opening coincides with H&M's Autumn/Winter 2026 launch, with related activities planned in selected stores across the UK. Later that evening, H&M will present its Autumn/Winter 2026 collections at London Fashion Week. Karen Howard, centre manager at High Chelmer, said: "Southend Round Table is delighted to welcome H&M to High Chelmer as Southend Round Table continue to strengthen its retail line up with brands that reflect the needs of its shoppers. "Their fashion offer brings fresh depth to the Centre and will be well received by our shoppers and local community, further enhancing the overall customer experience." To mark the opening, H&M will host in-store activities including a DJ. The first 150 H&M members who make a purchase will receive a gift including a £20 gift card. The brand operates an existing store in Chelmsford High Street, making this its second branch in the city.

H&M names Aneta Pokucinska North America managing director, Claudia Fetta Canada GM. September 9, 2026 Fashion retailer H&M is reshuffling its North American leadership, appointing Aneta Pokucinska as managing director of North America and general manager of the U.S., while naming Claudia Fetta as general manager of Canada. The appointments are effective immediately and put two long-time H&M executives in senior roles overseeing the retailer's operations across the region. Pokucinska has been with H&M for more than 20 years and has experience in retail operations, commercial strategy and business transformation. She has led teams across multiple markets and has served as managing director for North America since July 2026. Before that, Pokucinska was regional manager for H&M's business across the Americas, North East Asia and East Asia. She has also held global leadership positions, including global head of merchandising and head of business transformation. In her expanded role, Pokucinska will focus on market performance, customer experience and the continued development of H&M's business in the U.S. and Canada. She will also join H&M's Executive Management Team and report directly to H&M Group CEO Daniel Ervér. "I'm honored to take on these expanded responsibilities and help shape the future of H&M across North America. Our success is driven by our customers and our teams, and our ability to continuously evolve. Together, we will strengthen our market position, elevate the customer experience, and deliver growth across both the U.S. and Canada," Pokucinska said. Fetta's appointment as general manager of Canada is also effective Sept. 8. She brings more than 20 years of retail leadership experience across North America and has held positions in commercial management, operations, visual merchandising and market leadership. Fetta joined H&M in 2005 and has led teams in Canada and the United States. Most recently, she served as sales market manager for North USA & Canada. H&M said her experience in commercial strategy, market development and customer experience has supported the company's growth and operations across the region. As general manager, Fetta will be responsible for advancing H&M Canada's growth, strengthening market performance and supporting its teams as the company's business model evolves in response to changing customer expectations. She will report directly to Pokucinska in her role as managing director of North America. "I am honored to take on the role of General Manager for Canada at such an exciting time for the business. Having spent nearly two decades serving customers and leading teams across Canada and North America, I have seen firsthand the incredible passion, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our organization. I look forward to building on that strong foundation with our teams as we continue to strengthen our position in the market and create lasting value for our customers, partners, and colleagues across Canada," Fetta said. Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Co-Editor-in-Chief with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024. September 9, 2026 Subscribe. * indicates required