Early Life
Bernard Lewis was born in London on February 10, 1926. His early life involved assisting in his parents' greengrocer shop, where he honed his entrepreneurial skills. He also served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1944 to 1945.
Rise to Success
At the age of 20, Lewis opened his first fruit and vegetable shop in North London. Soon after, he transitioned into the clothing business. His first clothing shop was in Hackney, London. In the 1970s, he launched the Chelsea Girl chain. This chain was later rebranded to River Island in 1988.
Key Business Strategies
Bernard Lewis was known for several key strategies. He was one of the first in UK fashion retail to establish an in-house design facility. He also developed long-term relationships with suppliers, even venturing to Hong Kong in the early 1960s to seek new sources. He was recognized for his ability to spot trends and for creating appealing store environments. Family involvement was key to the business's success, with his sons and nephew playing significant roles over time.
Philanthropy
The Bernard Lewis Family Charitable Trust was established in 2008 and has granted over £16 million since 2020. The trust supports a wide variety of charities, focusing on organizations that deliver “deep, sustained impact.”