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River Island breeding plans for first US store after pandemic recovery
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Striking the right chord: Sofia Richie, daughter of pop star Lionel Richie
River Island hatches plans for its first store in the US after it recovers from the pandemic.
Will Kernan, chief executive at the family-owned clothing retailer, said online demand has surged in hotspots in California, New York, Texas and Florida. Sales in the US are now several times higher than in 2019, he said.
River Island, which also sells through Nordstrom department stores, has gained notoriety among celebrities who wear the brand, including Sofia Richie, daughter of pop star Lionel Richie.
“We see it as a great growth opportunity,” says Kernan. “While the brand isn’t well known in certain parts of the US, it’s interesting that the product is very popular.”
The company began a “reset” of the company in 2019, which would include reducing the time it takes to get newly designed products to stores.
The range was expanded to attract younger and older shoppers, and Studio RI, which offers more expensive garments, was launched.
The company swung to an operating profit of £73.5m in 2021 from a loss of £36.2m in the previous year.
It also benefited from £14 million in leave aid.