H&M entered the Japanese market in September 2008. Two months later and shoppers are still queuing over 2 hours to check out their range. The Swedish clothing chain opened their first store in Tokyo's classy Ginza district and plan to open a further two stores in Tokyo over the next 12 months. Founded in 1947, H&M has about 1,600 stores in 30 countries around the world, mainly in Europe.