H&M sees slow start to spring season as cold weather hits sales

But the group said its second-hand platform Sellpy helped it deliver an unexpected profit for the first quarter.

H&M warned that cold weather has delayed demand for spring ranges in many of its markets (Alamy/PA)

Fashion chain H&M warned that cold weather has delayed demand for spring ranges in many of its markets, but posted an unexpected quarterly profit thanks to a boost from its second-hand platform Sellpy.

The group – the world’s second largest fashion retailer – said sales in local currencies for the three months to February 28 lifted 3% and are expected to edge up by just 4% in March.

Sales across Western Europe, including the UK, lifted 9% in the first quarter, it added.