By Aimee Smith, Nicole Whitelaw and Heather McLachlan

BackgroundBackground

• The company was set up in 1948 by Bernard Lewis, operating from a small shop in London trading as Lewis Separates.

• However, it has since gone through several name changes (Chelsea Girl, Concept Man) before becoming River Island in 1989.

• The group is a family concern, led by entrepreneur and Chairman Bernard Lewis. Even at the age 82, he is involved in the day-to-day running of the company, working not only through the week but also at weekends to keep the store group in a strong retail position.

PurposePurpose

• Aimed at 15-30 year olds to provide them with affordable but stylish clothes.

• Designed by in house designers.

ManagementManagement

• River island’s huge Franchise operation is all owned and managed by Bernard Lewis – the entrepreneur who started the company.

• There are then managers below him who run their own individual store.

SizeSize

• River Island is a well known nationwide brand. Worth close to £1bn, the family - headed by Bernard Lewis - is one of the UK's richest, having turned River Island into an international success story.

• There are over 250 shops in 13 countries – including the UK, singapore, Russia, Poland, Spain and America - and £700m in sales.

• River Island is one of Europe's largest employers of fashion designers.

EmployeesEmployees

• There are approximately 8000 employees working for the company.

• The company offers a competitive salary – somewhere between £22,000-£42,000 – an attractive range of benefits and opportunties to progress.

FinanceFinance• River Island reported increased profits of £160.9m,

up from £152.8m the year before. ( 2008)

• The period to 30/12/2006 saw a significant increase in Annualised Sales from £584,139,000 to £670,538,000.

• The resultant Profit Margin of 23.35% (previous = 23.32%) compares favourably with the industry average of 0.44%.

• Shareholders Funds increased from £159,856,000 to £237,919,000.

MarketingMarketing

• River Island use a number of methods to attract customers including:

• Advertising,• Website, available to order clothes online and

with home delivery,• Reasonably priced and in fashion,• Stores are worldwide and easy to get to.

EvaluationEvaluation

• Strengths: Aimed for teenagers and working adults who like

the ease of online shopping. The website is well designed, with attractive colours and appealing pictures.

• Weaknesses:Lack of models’ pictures to carry out the best

qualities of the clothing. No ‘view all’ option to allow for a quick browse.