River Island reviews

3.6

58% would recommend to a friend

(2,970 total reviews)

Ben Lewis

66% approve of CEO

41% positive business outlook

River Island has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 2,970 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The River Island employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Ventas al mayoreo y al menudeo industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

3K reviews
1.0
Jan 2, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Opportunity for over time if you need it

Cons

I've worked at river Island for just over a year, and if I didn't need the money to help me through uni I would have quit a long time ago! The company do absolutely nothing for their store staff. We get paid minimum wage which is considerably lower than other fashion retailers. Head office staff and warehouse staff get treated better and get better perks, huge amount more discount and they don't even need to wear the clothes! As a sales adviser you have to wear river island clothes that they expect you to buy on your minimum wage. We get a pathetic 30% discount; and only an allowance of £150 a month which works out as nothing! Head office and warehouse staff get 50% unlimited discount. Very high staff turnover, particularly of management which means if you do overtime you're unlikely to get it paid to you that month because your hours have been lost due to poor organisation and lack of communication. Expect to be accused of internal theft because your stock loss is so high because no one has been trained on anything properly. Management extremely two faced -it's like being back in the playground. It's the worst place to work over Christmas, this year we didn't even get paid before Christmas then still didn't get paid in January on the day we was meant to - very distressing as you can imagine! Don't exoect the company to give you any money towards a work night out over Christmas either - yet all you see splashed over social media is the big extravagant head office Christmas party! When they do have the odd store incentive where there is a chance to win vouchers etc, don't always expect it! Once we were promised a pair of free jeans if we won a denim incentive that was going on - we won and received nothing! Their lack of appreciation for their staff is appalling, no one wants to be there and it makes for a very negative working environment.

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River Island Response
10y
Thanks for your feedback, we'll take it on board.
1.0
May 6, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Honestly... nothing. I have nothing to be grateful for.

Cons

1. All the stupid people get promoted but anyone with an ounce of competence never progress. This creates a work culture and environment where stupidity and incompetence is rife. 2. Poor pay 3. Workload is poorly managed. People consistently demand for things and give unrealistic expectations. 4. Diversity and Inclusion means nothing. Just hollow and vacuous statements. 5. They treat the people that they like very well, but if you're not in some golden circle, you aren't allowed to do the same things that those in the circle are allowed to do. 6. Snakes everywhere. 7. Toxic environment - you can always tell conversations are happening behind your back but nobody says anything to your face.

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River Island Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. While it's difficult to read we take it seriously and view it as an opportunity to learn, and so we encourage you to reach out to someone in the business you feel comfortable with. Our ERGs such as YOUR ID and our Mental Health Allies are always happy to help. Our People Team are also available to speak with in confidence. If you prefer to remain anonymous you can call our Safe call line. It's important we address your concerns around fairness and inclusion, and would like the opportunity to do so. Please do reach out.
2.0
Apr 25, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

People working there are passionate about the product and customer, however....

Cons

Multiple changes in management. Management not visible. No regular business comms/cascade. Unclear on strategy and direction. Product has lost it's direction. Family get involved in day to day running of the business to the detriment of planning (lots of JFDI)

Viewing 40 - 42 of 2,970 Reviews

Glassdoor has 3,210 River Island reviews submitted anonymously by River Island employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if River Island is right for you.