River Island to open new “elevated” concept store in Portsmouth

High street giant River Island is opening a new 7,602 sq ft concept store at 154 Commercial Road in Portsmouth this Saturday 20 November 2021.

It’s a relocation which sees the fashion retailer double the size of its previous store at 216-218 Commercial Road, which recently closed.

The new ‘River Island Boutique’ concept is a first, and the store has been “redesigned and elevated to enhance the customer’s in-store shopping experience”.

Set over two floors, womenswear will take up the entire ground floor, while the first floor will be occupied by menswear and kidswear – stocking older kids, mini and baby.

River Island Property Director, Frances Baker, said: “River Island is thrilled to be reopening in Portsmouth with our first ‘Boutique’ store. Positioned in prime pitch with a loyal and vibrant consumer base, it’s the ideal location to introduce the first concept store. The team are eager to welcome back devoted shoppers and are excited to acquire new customers through the addition of kidswear.”

To get in the festive spirit and celebrate the new opening, River Island will be hosting a ‘Christmas Party’ in-store on 4 December.

Customers can expect to hear festive DJ sets and there will be free face painting for kids. Anyone who spends over £40 will be treated to a special ‘RI Donut’ courtesy of Hideout Coffee, and they will also be offered a bespoke wrapping service with exclusive branded paper.

The new opening adds to River Island’s 300 strong estate and solidifies its message of ‘Standing By The High Street’, a campaign set up in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic to show solidarity with other high street brands negatively hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.