H&M opening goodies

Charlotte's first and highly-anticipated H&M store will open at noon Thursday at Northlake mall, and as if they need to, officials are enticing shoppers with a few freebies.

The first 200 people in line will get a free t-shirt and an "Access to Fashion Pass", valued from $10 to $300, among other promos.


The approximately 26,000 square foot store will offer women's and men's collections, with separate “store within store” sections for accessories, lingerie, sports apparel, maternity and the plus-size line, H&M+. The Northlake location will also carry the children's line, outfitting newborns up to age 8.

The Swedish retailer opens its doors in Charlotte just in time to hype its Holiday 2013 trends, which reportedly include "sequined and embroidered knits, lightweight down jackets, sheer dresses and slim fitted trousers for women; and wool jackets, oxford cotton shirts and tweed trousers for men."

The Northlake store is also one of the H&M locations participating in the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes program, which provides cards and personal messages to troops during the holiday season.

No word yet on when the 17,000 square foot H&M at Carolina Place in Pineville is expected to open, though signage on the storefront announces they've reached the hiring phase.(However, the website only shows positions at the Northlake store.)