The positive news came as restrictions were eased in some markets, allowing hundreds of stores to reopen.

The world's second biggest apparel retailer said on Monday that net sales for the period fell 27% from a year earlier to $4.7 billion as well as some stores being allowed to reopen.

H and M added that online sales had continued to develop well.

The Swedish groups had.

Sales in the first two weeks of March were up 10% in local currencies.

That was as many countries, including single biggest market Germany, began allowing some stores to reopen.

However, almost 1/5 of H and M's approximately 5000 stores remain closed due to lockdowns shares.

An H and M rose 3% in early trading before dropping back.

They're up close to 30% this year.

Market leader in DETECTS The owner of Zara last week forecast a return to healthy sales as soon as restrictions are lifted.