H&M slated for Sarasota Square mall

SARASOTA -- H&M, the Swedish based retailer, is expected to open at Sarasota Square in the spring of 2015.

The new 21,000 square-foot store will add to the mall's selection of popular brands such as Forever21, Justice and Express. The Sarasota location will offer a wide range of clothing styles from updated classics and basics to trendy outfits.

Westfield officials made the announcement Thursday after the Bradenton Herald reported on details of the mall's construction work, which included a new Atomic Tattoos and Piercing and another unnamed tenant to replace the temporary Gulf Gate Library.

"We always strive to deliver the latest and best retail offerings for our shoppers," said Shannon Brzuchalski, marketing manager for Westfield Sarasota. "We are so pleased to announce the addition of such a well known brand as H&M as we continue to make Sarasota Square one of the areas most premiere shopping destinations."

Established in Sweden in 1947, the company is ranked as the second-largest global clothing retailer with approximately 2,500 stores in 53 countries worldwide. H&M, which stands for its founders, Hennes & Mauritz, works directly with clothing designers to bring the latest fashions straight to its stores.

This will be the second H&M opening in the matter of months in Sarasota County. H&M will open Oct. 16 inside the Mall at University Town Center, managed by Taubman Centers. The Mall at UTC location will be a two-level, 24,000-square-foot store.

This story was originally published September 18, 2014 at 11:15 AM with the headline "H&M slated for Sarasota Square mall ."