River Island to launch standalone shoes and accessories store

The new format, River Island Accessory Boutique, will open on November 26 in Capital Shopping Centre’s Victoria Centre.

The 1721 sq. ft shop, which will stock footwear, bags, hats, scarves, sunglasses and jewellery for women, has been launched in response to strong sales growth in the categories for the fashion retailer.

River Island said it will be “assessing its performance before making decisions on future stores.”

A spokeswoman said: “Accessories have always been a strong destination area for River Island and we aren’t always able to secure large enough sites to display the full clothing and non-clothing offer.”

The store features “special interior details” including bespoke chandelier lighting, carpet wall coverings, architectural arches and a timber shop front to create a “a unique rough lux, vintage feel”.

An iPad will be available for customers to order on-line from the entire River Island collection. A TV screen will show film and photographic content.

Jewellery prices will start from £5, bags from £15, footwear from £25 and scarves and hats from £8.

It is another example of retailers launching new formats as they try and attract more consumer spend. New Look launched a footwear store in Bristol in 2009.

House of Fraser last month opened its first click and collect store in Aberdeen, House of fraser.com, as revealed by Retail Week.