About River Island

River Island create affordable everyday luxury, distinctive, real-life fashion for every occasion. Customers are stylish yet relaxed, glam yet edgy.

Set up in 1948 by Bernard Lewis and his brothers in London, River Island are a private company owned by the Lewis family, with Ben Lewis the current Chief Executive Officer.

The chain has over 350 stores in the UK, Ireland, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, alongside six online websites operating in four currencies and shipping to over 100 countries worldwide. The London head office is home to 900 staff.

Customers come to River Island because they love the twist they put on trends, the range of products and the service they get from people who love their fashion. Like their customers, the firm is always on the lookout for the next must-have item: it’s their mission to keep ranges fresh.

WOW Factor here means Ways of Working - developing, growing and inspiring each other.

What is it like to work for River Island

Wellbeing

66% of staff disagreed:

My health is suffering because of my work

Subsidised food and gym membership are offered to employees at River Island’s head office and distribution centre, as well as flexible working and career development support. Additionally, all staff members can access an Employee Assistance Programme.

66% of staff disagreed:

My health is suffering because of my work

My Team

86% of staff agreed:

My team is fun to work with

River Island’s technology department has undertaken a transformation programme focusing on new working practices, communication and collaboration, with a new digital hub in Shoreditch making it easier for the team to share ideas, stay in regular contact and work together more closely.

86% of staff agreed:

My team is fun to work with

Fair Deal

50% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

The company encourages a flexible approach to working to improve morale and engagement, while annual summer, Halloween and Christmas parties take place each year. A new peer-to-peer recognition programme is also helping staff to appreciate and reward the good work done by others.

50% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Charity Activities

At least 20% of staff are known to undertake charitable activities during business hours without incurring financial loss
Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Development

Companies who provide support for non-work related training to all staff