H&M has closed one of its New Zealand stores, without warning shoppers, as two retailers are poised to take its place.

The global clothing brand opened the store in Tauranga Crossing shopping centre in 2019 as one of the centre’s flagship sites. Local reports said the store closed “seemingly overnight”.

The Bay of Plenty Times spoke to shoppers who said they were “shocked” to find the longstanding store had closed, without any warning or closing-down sale.

Inside Retail has contacted H&M for comment on the closure. It is understood that no more closures in New Zealand are planned.

The move comes as H&M, in its six-month financial report for 2025, said it had planned to close 200 stores in “established markets” over the previous year. It also planned to open around 80 stores in “growth markets”.

“We continue to strengthen the product offering and the experience both online and in our stores,” CEO Daniel Ervér said in the report.

“With a clear plan, a strong financial position, good cost control and committed employees, we see good opportunities for long-term, sustainable and profitable growth.”

NZ Herald’s report added that Tauranga Crossing will be adding JB Hi-Fi and Cotton On Mega to the space formerly occupied by H&M.