RETAIL ROUNDUP:Buyers line up for H&M; linens

SOUTH COAST PLAZA — Swarms of people packed into two new H&M; stores Thursday at the shopping center to become the first to buy some of the store’s new threads.

The first two people got to the shopping center around 2:30 a.m. and were first in line around 5:45 a.m. More than 4,700 people lined up at the two stores on either side of the shopping center, which together hold the brand’s entire collection. Some ditched school and others played hooky from work to enjoy the hoopla.

H&M; is a hip clothing store with discounted prices that has caused a frenzy at all the openings of its stores in Southern California since the first ones opened in Los Angeles.

“H&M; is all about celebrating, and this [opening] definitely exceeded our expectations…. We’re really excited to be here in Orange County,” H&M; spokeswoman Lisa Sandberg said.

The first 200 people in line received free T-shirts and gift cards that ranged from $5 to $300. Buddies Jordan Williams, 17, and Neil Senegal, 18, spent part of their spring break waiting in line to get in to the H&M; in the center’s Macy’s Home Store and Crate and Barrel Wing. It was definitely worth it for the two Chino Hills teens.

“I can’t believe it,” Williams said to his friend after calling to find out the balance on the gift card. “We came because first we heard everyone was getting a $300 gift card, but then we realized it varied, but we thought, we’re on spring break and we can’t really lose.”

And neither teen did. Before they called a phone number to check the balance on both their cards, they vowed to split the amount in half.

“People told me I was stupid for not bringing money,” Senegal said laughing.

Together the pair had $175 to spend at the store.

Frankie Parra, 25, and Angelica Mejia, 23, planned for Thursday’s grand opening for the last two months. The See’s Candies Inc. co-workers couldn’t sleep Wednesday night and woke up around 2 a.m. to be the first people at the store.

But when security wouldn’t let the pair on the premises, they anxiously waited across the street for a sign that the coast was clear.

Parra and Mejia, both of Santa Ana, didn’t realize there’d be so much media hubbub, but still welcomed it.

“If we had known we’d do so many interviews, we would’ve done more to look good,” Mejia said with a chuckle.

On opening day, the store was offering some special discounts on many of its items.

The lines shifted from outside the stores to inside at the fitting room doors and the cash registers, but people were still jovial and no one seemed to be fighting for their spot or a piece of clothing.

Parra was successful in his shopping and stayed under his budget, which he said he had set at $200. He ended up with a zip-up sweatshirt, a blazer, two button-down shirts and a beanie for under $100.

“It was worth it. I had a lot of fun, but I have to work in an hour, so hopefully I get out of here in time,” Parra said as he waited in line that snaked around the store to the door.

It’s not Armani or Gucci, but a complete suit may cost about $115, making the business gear attainable for almost anyone. Oversized purses cost about $20, and accessories run about $4 on up. Kids’ T-shirts run about $10 to $20.

Take two of H&M;’s Orange County openings will be today at the Irvine Spectrum, which is run by Newport Beach-based Irvine Co.

Click here for scenes from Thursday’s H&M; opening.