Early Life
Bernard Lewis was born on February 10, 1926, in London, England. He was educated at the Jewish Free School and the Northern Polytechnic Institute. As a child, he assisted his parents in their greengrocer shop, where he gained valuable business skills. Lewis also served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1944 to 1945.
Rise to Success
Lewis opened his first fruit and vegetable shop in North London at the age of 20. He then began selling clothing in the 1940s, starting with blouses and skirts and later adding dresses. His first clothes shop was in Mare Street, Hackney. During the 1970s, he launched a chain of clothing stores, later called Chelsea Girl, which evolved into the River Island brand.
Key Business Strategies
The primary strategy was to provide affordable and fashionable clothing. The business has expanded internationally, with approximately 350 stores across Britain and Ireland, and has a presence in many other countries.
Philanthropy
The Bernard Lewis Family Charitable Trust was established in 2008, and the trust has granted millions of pounds to various charities since its founding.
