H&M closing two big Manhattan stores in setback for city's retail scene

Core Viewpoint - H&M is closing two large stores in Manhattan as part of a global cost-cutting strategy, which will add significant retail space to the market in New York City [1][2]. Group 1: Store Closures - H&M will close its stores located at 18 Church St. at the World Trade Center and 150 E. 86th St. in January, resulting in a total of 55,000 square feet of retail space becoming available [1][3]. - After these closures, H&M will retain eight locations in New York City [2]. Group 2: Global Strategy - The closures in Manhattan are part of H&M's broader plan to shut down approximately 200 of its more than 4,300 stores worldwide as a measure to reduce costs [2].