True to form, H&M is partnering with another big name in fashion for their spring designer collection. The house of Mugler, helmed by Casey Cadwallader, is the newest luxury brand to pair with the Swedish fast fashion powerhouse for a modern and dramatic collection of apparel, accessories, and swimwear including laser-cut dresses, corset details, and skin-baring bodysuits. Prices range from $29.99 to $749.
The Mugler x H&M collection launches on May 11, 2023. In this post, I'll be sharing pro shopping tips for both online and in store.
Preview the Mugler x H&M lookbook below and bookmark this page now to preview the line.
Set your reminders now for May 11, and see which stores will carry the collection.
Keep reading for fifteen expert tips on how to shop Mugler x H&M.
The Online Strategy (The Preferred Way to Shop)
1. Bookmark this page now and learn the Mugler x H&M lookbook. Study it carefully to select your favorites, get outfit inspiration, research the sizing, choose colorways, and check the prices.
2. Play favorites. Check the prices here. Set a budget. Make a Pinterest board, list, or collage of your favorites to help you stick to your budget and prioritize your potential purchases.
3. Know when and how to shop. In the U.S., these collections launch online in the morning at a designated time. Start checking the H&M app or website early in the morning.
In the U.S., these collections usually launch online at 10 AM EST. The website has crashed in the past, so be extra prepared by using more than one web browser, mobile device, etc. You may be placed in a virtual queue when you visit the website or the H&M app. Expect some glitches and be persistent. Remember that patience is key.
4. Save your info. Before the time to shop online approaches, log onto hm.com and have your checkout and payment details saved ahead of time. Clear your cart of any old items in order to streamline the checkout process. This reduces the chances of having your cart emptied of any out-of-stock items before you can complete your order.
5. Click quickly. Shop your top pick(s) first and submit your order right after placing in your cart. Do not shop and fill up your cart. Why? Once an item is in your cart, it's not reserved for you. In order to avoid an item being removed from your cart because it's already sold out, you need to click quickly and complete your order! That's why I create a prioritized wish list and try to buy my top picks first. Online purchases are typically limited to one item per style per person.
6. Stay social. Check social media channels for up-to-the-moment shopping updates, product info/reviews, and to connect with other shoppers.
The In-Store Strategy
1. Know where to go if stores in your area are open. See this page for a list of stores that will stock Mugler x H&M.
2. Phone it in. Be extra prepared by calling your local store the week before the launch to confirm if they'll carry the collection and ask them exactly where/how you should line up to shop.
3. Be an early bird. You know what they say about the early bird. Stores open at 8 AM (instead of 10am) on launch days. I've found in the past that if I arrive by 4 AM or even earlier, then I'm able to get into the first or second shopper group.
4. Play the waiting game and respect the line. Store employees will pass out color-coded wristbands to the first 420 people in line. They do this several hours before the store opens, with each shopper group consisting of 25 people. Each group of 25 shoppers is allowed ten minutes in which to shop the collection in a secure and sectioned-off area of the store. They are strict, and with good reason. The time slot goes by really fast, with employees calling out the time at five minute intervals. In between the shopper groups, employees rapidly replenish the merchandise in five-minute intervals.
5. Preparation is key (but first, coffee). I bring a blanket/pillow, cozy jacket, phone charger, water, and healthy snacks to stay energized and comfortable while in line. Bring coffee if needed. Stock varies widely from store to store, with flagships in metropolitan areas carrying the best selection.
6. Bring a buddy. A healthy family member, friend, or significant other (ideally from your household) might be able to help you get the pieces you want and help you make purchasing decisions. "Divide and conquer" should be your strategy! Arrange to meet in line at the same time or go to the store together (with masks and hand sanitizer) so you're not cutting in line and you can be in the same shopper group for maximum teamwork.
7. Check for go-backs. If your favorite pieces disappear from the racks in a flash, be courteous, be patient, and don't be afraid to ask employees and other shoppers to politely trade to get what you want! Just respect the rules and limits that they have in store. Stay at least six feet away from shoppers as much as possible. Limit your time socializing and shopping in the store to reduce your exposure to the virus.
8. Know your limits. There are quantity limits per person on these collections (it's 1 item per style in stores and 1 item per style online) to prevent buying in bulk, and the return policy time frame is shorter (7 days). Be aware of these restrictions in order to prevent any buyer's remorse. Read more about quantity limits and returns here.
9. Persistence pays off. These collections are not restocked, but you can still score your favorites. If you don't find what you want after the launch, check back for returns in the coming days, as many shoppers take items back to the store. Accessories can't be returned for hygiene reasons, so select them carefully. Don't forget to check the customer service desk and clearance racks for returns. Call your local stores to ask what they have in stock.
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Get inspired by Mugler x H&M with these new spring styles:
