Since opening its first US location on Manhattan’s Fifth avenue in 2000, the Stockholm-based chain has expanded to 200 stores, trickling to places as far-flung as Winston-Salem, N.C. and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The company, which offers a broader, cheaper, (and arguably younger) selection than Gap, is on track to open 256 new stores by the end of 2011, and will begin selling its wares online for the first time at the beginning of 2012. A caveat, however: despite cheap clothing offerings and increased worldwide visibility, H&M profits fell in 2010, forcing the company to slow its global expansion.