Even the world’s second-largest retailer, fashion chain H&M, is not immune to the coronavirus. It seems that they have permanently closed their store in Sangertown Square Mall, located in New Hartford.

The Stockholm-based clothing company announced that it was going to close 350 stores starting this year. In a statement, it emphasized a push toward online shopping and a pull away physical in-store experiences.

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New Hartford's H&M store was never once on any public list for closure, but they are no longer listed in the directory on the Sangertown Square website.

Credit: Amanda Jurkowski
Credit: Amanda Jurkowski
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"More and more customers started shopping online during the pandemic, and they are making it clear that they value a convenient and inspiring experience in which stores and online interact and strengthen each other," H&M said in a statement back in October of 2020. 

They explained their business strategy going forward would be to include more of a digital focus.

"We are increasing digital investments, accelerating store consolidation and making the channels further integrated. To ensure that our offerings are relevant to customers and improve availability in all channels, speed and flexibility will be even more important in the future, particularly in the supply chain."

They didn't just see a reduction with in-store customers, according to the retailer. Product purchasing, investments, rents, staffing and financing were also dramatically impacted. Its third quarter sales fell 16% to $5.7 million, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although you can't shop in-store, you can still shop online.

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