River Island used to be called something completely different… and it started out as TWO different stores
The original name might ring a few bells if you're familiar with the high street brand
IT'S a well-known name on the high street, but did you know that River Island used to be called something completely different?
The fashion retailer actually started out as two separate clothing stores, which only joined forces to become the brand we now know and love in 1988.
The company behind it dates back to 1948, when British entrepreneur Bernard Lewis opened up his first clothes shop in Mare Street, Hackney, in east London.
At the age of 20, he'd launched his debut fruit and vegetable store on Holloway Road in north London, but his foray into fashion proved to be his biggest success.
After expanding to five stores, Bernard called his business Lewis Separates.
During the 1970's he opened up a chain of clothing stores - 70, to be precise - which he later called Chelsea Girl.
It quickly became one of the UK's first chain female fashion boutiques.
By 1982, Bernard introduced a further store, called Concept Man, to his portfolio, which offered a range of menswear.
Six years later in 1988, a third brand was formed - this one being called River Island.
A few years later, both Chelsea Girl and Concept Man merged into this one company, which is now run by Bernard's nephew, Ben Lewis.
Die-hard River Island fans will know that in 2011, Chelsea Girl was re-introduced as a capsule collection within stores.
Last month we told how the shop started selling L.A. Gear-inspired light-up trainers for kids.
In June we revealed the correct way to pronounce ASOS - and pointed out that you’ve been saying Zara wrong, too.