River Island sends strong digital signal with new Shoreditch office
High street giant River Island has sent a signal that it is putting digital at the heart of its business by opening a new digital office in the heart of London's tech hub in Shoreditch.
The new space will house 70 staff and will act as a "digital collaboration space" for technology and the River Island business. Chief executive Ben Lewis said the opening of the Curtain Road office was a sign he wanted everyone in the business to think "in a digital first way".
"We are plugging into something new as we move forward, positioning our thinking and development against the very best in the tech sector – we want to be renowned in the industry as pioneers, seeking out the best people and nurturing talent,” he said.
Privately owned River Island is one of the UK's most successful fashion retailers with around 350 stores in the UK, Ireland and internationally. Its history stretches back 60 years and it is home to one of the high street's biggest in-house design teams, which designs most of its men's, women's and childrenswear product in-house.
That it is establishing a digital hub to develop tech projects in-house is a significant step and will make the rest of the high street sit up and take notice.
