As part of its expansion drive high street giant Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) is planning to open about 15 to 20 stores in Germany in 2004. The firm is also focusing on smaller towns. According to CEO Rolf Eriksen, the Swedish retail chain is interested in opening outlets in towns of around 50,000 people.

The company has operated in Germany for 20 years and, with 239 outlets, holds a 3.5 per cent share of the country''s total clothing market. Eriksen said Germany remained H&M''s "most important market".