River Island news and archive

River Island launches resort wear in collaboration with Del Maar

British fashion retailer River Island has launched a resort wear collaboration with Latin-Australian brand Del Maar as part of its ‘Behind The Design’ series celebrating independent creatives. The limited-edition River Island x Del Maar collection draws inspiration from the coastal lifestyle embraced on Australian shores and features bold...

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Suzy Slavid returns to River Island as trading managing director

River Island has named Suzy Slavid its new trading managing director. It marks a return to the British retailer for Slavid, who had initially served as merchandise manager of River Island’s kidswear and ladieswear for over 13 years. Slavid left the company in 2012, however, to become director of merchandising and marketing at Boden, where she...

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Former River Island CEO returns as executive chair exits

Ben Lewis, the former chief executive officer to River Island, is returning to the British retailer upon the announcement that its executive chair, Richard Bradbury, is exiting the firm. Bradbury, who cited personal reasons for his departure, had previously served as CEO for River Island until 2010 before stepping away and then later rejoining...

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River Island reportedly appoints financial advisors

British fashion chain River Island has reportedly hired financial advisers from global consultancy AlixPartners as the retailer looks to improve profits and cut costs, Sky News reports. River Island has been struggling with declining financial results and rising costs over an extended period. In October 2024, the company posted a pre-tax loss of...

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River Island unveils festive collection with Nephthys Foster

British fashion retailer River Island has launched a playful Christmas knitwear collection with London-based artist Nephthys Foster. The capsule River Island x Nephthys collection is inspired by Foster’s signature style of vibrant, bold and colourful artworks and features festive swearers in playful designs to “spark joy”. Capturing the...

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River Island reports loss of 32.2 million pounds in 2023

Clothing brand River Island reported a full year pre-tax loss of 32.2 million pounds, while the total turnover for the year under review decreased 15.1 percent to 701.5 million pounds. The company said in a filing that the negative performance resulted in a reduction in gross profit to 46.7 million pounds and loss after tax was 24.4 million...

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River Island and Boohoo battle suppliers over quality concerns

UK fast fashion giants River Island and Boohoo are reportedly tackling quality concerns with suppliers leading to either the withholding of payments or threats to send back orders. River Island is the latest to have raised issues over quality with its suppliers, according to The Times, with the fashion retailer understood to have requested...

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River Island receives Science Based Target initiative approval

British fashion retailer River Island has announced that its science-based targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the global body that supports businesses to reduce emissions in line with the latest climate science. In a statement, River Island said it is committed to long-term and near-term emissions...

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River Island appoints co-managing directors, chief people officer

River Island has announced three new hires to its board, including the appointment of Jane Eskriett and Richard Grainger as co-managing directors. The British fashion retailer announced the news in a short message on LinkedIn. “We are very excited at the future prospects for our brand and our journey ahead,” the company said. Eskriett joins from...

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River Island’s former CEO to return as executive chair

River Island’s former chief executive officer Richard Bradbury is reportedly set to return to the British fashion retailer as executive chair 12 years after his exit. From January 1, Bradbury will be succeeding Will Kernan, who announced he would be stepping down as CEO in November after three years at the business. Kernan will remain at the...

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River Island marketing director steps down with immediate effect

River Island has reportedly announced that its marketing director Jill Gate has stepped down from her position, effective immediately. According to a report by Drapers, Gate has left the fashion retailer to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. She joined the business in December 2020 from Photobox and previously served in senior marketing roles...

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River Island chief executive Will Kernan to exit

The CEO of high street fashion retailer River Island is leaving the business after three years. Will Kernan is stepping down “to pursue personal projects”, Retail Week reports, citing sources close to the company. Kernan joined River Island as chief executive in September 2019, taking over from previous boss Ben Lewis, who led the company for...