The History

We might have six decades behind us. But at River Island, we don’t feel our age. Our brand is as fresh, exciting and forward-looking as it’s always been. With 300 stores across the world, an award-winning online fashion retail site, one of the biggest in-house design teams on the British high street and a deep commitment to nurturing new talent, we’re one of the most successful fashion retailers in the UK. But watch this space. We’re only just beginning.

Ben Lewis

Made in Britain

“River Island has fast become the designer brand of the high street, with stores in more than 18 countries. River Island has and always will be an exciting, innovative, and fun company. You’ll be glad you joined us." Ben Lewis CEO

Our history

Image 1-

1948

Bernard Lewis starts selling yarn from a dis-used bomb site in East London

lewis separates-

1955

Lewis Separates as it’s become known, grows from 5 stores to 9

boar lane leeds1967-

1965

The 70 store empire of Lewis Separates is transformed in to Chelsea Girl

RIS0361D-

1982

The first Menswear store is launched under Concept Man

river island launch new store-

1991

Chelsea Girl & Concept Man are merged to become RIVER ISLAND

Gateshead 11-

1993

The first International store is launched in ROI

GFW-

2005

RI sponsors Graduate Fashion Week for six consecutive years

style insider-

2008

Style Insider blog launches offering news on trends & styles

3064312_Ben-Lewis-and-Bernard-Lewis-

2010

Ben Lewis becomes CEO

design forum-

2012

The Design Forum is launched in association with The British Fashion Council

rihanna-riverisland-pic-

2013

Partner with global super star Rihanna

S17_181031_264 small-

2015

Launch of RI Kids

18.06.21_RI_NORDIC_NOMAD_068_V1_crop-LOW RES-

2018

Launch of RI Home

Copyright © River Island 2019