RI Trafford Centre Team's Top Picks
We chatted to Team RI at the Trafford Centre about our new store location (hey, Manchester) and their top picks for the season. Think of it as a little preparation for when you pop down. Join us at our new concept store for a weekend of feel-good fashion, design-led interiors, RI beauty bar and lots of treats - we’ll be celebrating from the 5-7th May.
Book your beauty treatments with Nails By Ya Gal and House of Vanity here.
Hey Team RI 👋
First up, Abdullah – he's been a sales advisor at RI for seven months.
What is your favourite thing about the new store we're opening?
It'll be a new, bigger space, and we have self-service checkouts – it will be nice for customers to be able to do it themselves.
What's your favourite spot for lunch around Trafford?
Rudy's Pizza is great. It's an independent one, proper Italian pizza.
Best thing about Manchester?
It's home. It's not overcrowded to the point where you can't get where you need to go.
Tell us about your top picks from RI…
The pale blue jacket adds a fresh layer to an outfit - the ecru version is also a great choice for spring. The jeans can be paired with either jacket, along with the graphic tee, and the sandals can also be worn with white socks, the tee and a pair of shorts or lightweight trousers.
Alycia, VM Manager. She’s been at RI for ten years now!
What's your favourite spot for lunch around Trafford Centre?
I like Feel Good Club - their café is amazing.
What’s your favourite track on the RI playlist?
I love a bit of Tom Grennan. And Dermot Kennedy.
Best thing about Manchester?
The music scene, there’s so many venues here, it’s amazing. My music taste is quite eclectic so that’s what I spend most weekends doing.
Tell us about your top picks from RI…
I love wearing slip skirts with trainers and t-shirts - it goes with the blazer too, which is a hero piece for the wardrobe. I also love this polka dot dress for its puffy sleeves, classy neckline and lovely length. It’s so flattering on too, as it tucks in on the waist but floats out. The jersey dress is a great casual day dress, and has pockets which is always a winner.
I recently picked up this scrunchie and have had so many compliments on it - for a simple accessory It really elevates an outfit.
Gemma, sales advisor for four years.
What is your favourite thing about the new store?
It’s so much better to have a concept store. Our customers can feel like they’re a part of River Island, but as an experience.
What's your favourite spot for lunch around Trafford Centre, or Manchester generally?
Lazy Sunday. They do croissant-waffles, and the most amazing bubble teas.
Best thing about Manchester?
I think the bar scene is the best you can find in the UK.
Tell us about your top picks from RI…
I’d pair the RI Studio dress with chunky boots and a leather jacket to wear day-to-day, it would also look amazing with some sandals and a straw bag. The bandeau top would be great for drinks or a date night - a good balance between casual and dressy.
I’d pair the cargo skort with chunky trainers for a casual summer daytime look. Finally, the knitted dress is perfect to either dress up with strappy heels or keep casual with sandals.
Izzy, sales advisor for four years. She’s worked in four stores: Beverly, Manchester, Hull, another Hull and back again!
What's your favourite spot for lunch around Trafford Centre, or Manchester generally?
I’d probably say Nando’s. I’m really boring, but you can’t beat it.
What’s your favourite track on the RI playlist?
Attention by Justin Bieber. I was doing a little dance on the shop floor.
How would you describe Manchester's style?
I’d say it’s ”out there”. I think it fits the city vibe, everyone wears what they want, and they look cool doing it.
Tell us about your top picks from RI…
I love the vibrant pink colour of this dress for the upcoming summer months. The flares give a 1970s vintage vibe which I love. I’d pair them with a small black tank or even a graphic men’s oversized hoodie for the comfy look.I always love a basic bodycon dress because you can wear it for any occasion and dress it up or down. The top gives a classy look and is perfect for a date night, and these jeans give a sophisticated, smart/casual look when worn with high-top trainers and a black blazer.
Sam, kidswear manager for seven years. Originally worked in Nottingham for four years. Moved for love. ❤️
What is your favourite thing about the new store we're opening?
We’re tripling in size - it’s a big, big opportunity to expand our kidswear line.
What's your favourite spot for lunch around Trafford Centre, or Manchester generally?
There’s a place called The Burger Place, best burgers I’ve ever had in my life.
Tell us about your top picks from RI…
I’d wear this printed shirt with a white t-shirt, tapered black jeans and my leather jacket. This western jacket goes with anything. I’d wear the set on a night out with a simple clean t-shirt, white trainers; style the trousers with a contrast blazer and shirt and you’re set for a wedding. The grey jacket is another great piece for wedding season, as it’s part of a 3 piece, you could mix it up in the evening.
Finally, is the easy zip sweater, which looks great styled with cargos. I’d add a gilet for a utility vibe.