2006 Profit Track 100

Rank: 44   River Island

Started as small East End shop selling womenswear, now runs 220 stores

The high-street fashion chain River Island started as a small shop in London's East End, selling wool and womenswear. It now operates 220 stores and franchises across Britain, mainland Europe and the Middle East. Expansion locally and overseas, combined with extending its market from teenagers to thirtysomethings, has grown profits 76% a year, from £20.2m in 2001 to £111m in 2004.

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Company facts

River Island
Fashion retailer
Company website

Profit growth
76.37% pa
2004 profit£111.0m
2001 profit£20.2m
2004 staff10,179
Founded1963
Location of HQWest London
If applicable:
* = annualised figures
‡ = draft accounts