Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M isn't moving in to Charlotte yet, but it is marching west across the state, with the recent announcement of a new store planned in Winston-Salem.
The new store, as reported here, will be opening in November at Hanes Mall. The store is planned to be 20,000 square feet, with its own entrance and a grand staircase.
There is only one other H&M in North Carolina is in Raleigh, so the Winston-Salem store does cut the distance between Charlotte and the nearest H&M more than in half. In January, H&M officials said the retailer doesn't have plans to open in Charlotte this year.
But with H&M opening its second N.C. store in much smaller Winston-Salem, it begs the question of when the retailer will enter the Charlotte market. Could the emptying of existing Borders bookstore locations as going-out-of-business sales wind down give H&M the opportunity it needs (they average 24,800 square feet)?
The Container Store, another retailer with a strong fan following, moved into Joseph Beth's old SouthPark location after that store closed. For now, H&M fans will just have to keep hoping. (And thanks to an astute reader for the tip on this)