Fashion-forward and frugal consumers arrived early — some the night before — to be the first to enter the much anticipated H&M store No. 242 at International Plaza in Tampa. The store cut the ribbon at noon on Thursday, Nov. 10, and the opening event included pep rallies, dancing, giveaways, and of course, mobs of shoppers.

Rick Moreno, 22, a USF student from Temple Terrace, was the first in line at the H&M opening. He won a $75 gift card. Keeping him company are Christiana Kennard of Dunedin, Ellysa Capizzi and Kimberly Hall. Credit: Julie Garisto
Denise Mercado, 21, full-time H&M sales adviser, hangs with full-time sales adviser Kyler Dukes, who amped up the crowd and led a cha-cha slide outside the entrance before the noon opening. Credit: Rick Moreno
H&M Pep Squad Credit: Julie Garisto
Among a slew of old-school and curent hits, DJ Casper played the “Cha-Cha Slide” for the employees to entertain the customers waiting in line at the new H&M. Credit: Julie Garisto
H&M Department Manager Derriann Hope and Store Manager Rick Smith take a break from opening preparations. Credit: Julie Garisto
Cicely Jeter, a psychology/mass communications major at USF and Markus Aurelio, an employee of Chase, were around a dozen deep in line for the grand opening of the new H&M. They had arrived around 4 a.m. Credit: Julie Garisto
Trendy mannequins await the grand-opening crowd at the new H&M in International Plaza. Credit: Julie Garisto
Night-life friendly wear at the new H&M at International Plaza. Credit: Julie Garisto
H&M crowd gets amped before the Tampa grand opening. Credit: Julie Garisto
The first batch of H&M customers cash out. It got much worse from here. Credit: Julie Garisto