River Island and Fridays to join Barnsley's retail and leisure scene

Two more big high-street names, River Island and Fridays, have signed to be part of The Glass Works and are set to open in Spring, providing another major boost to Barnsley town centre’s flourishing retail and leisure offer.

Fashion chain River Island has announced it will open a large store in The Glass Works early this Spring.

Frances Baker, Property Director of River Island commented: “We are delighted to be bringing a new River Island store in Barnsley, our first in the town centre. The transformation of the retail core here has been really impressive and allows us to design a modern store that delivers the best shopping experience possible for our customers. We can’t wait to open”

Barnsley locals and visitors should also get ready for that Fridays feeling all day every day, as Fridays, the hugely popular American restaurant chain, is set to open a vibrant new venue in The Glass Works.

Fridays first opened in New York in 1965 with flowing cocktails and charismatic bartenders making every night feel like a Friday. Over 55 years later, it’s making Fridays famous again and proudly celebrating its heritage with simple, freshly made to order dishes with top-quality ingredients, vibrant new and classic cocktails full of energy & theatre, all handcrafted by expert bartenders.

Robert B. Cook, Chief Executive of Fridays UK said: “We are very excited to be bringing our best ever menu alongside that iconic service and spirit of generosity of Fridays to Barnsley town centre. We have always felt the love and loyalty from our Yorkshire fans and can’t wait to spread that Fridays Feeling even further across the county."

The restaurant will also sit alongside another highly anticipated eatery, Nando’s. Fit-out of the popular peri-peri chain is well underway and will complete in early Spring.

The good news doesn’t stop there either. Barnsley trend-setters and fashionistas will soon have the pick of some of the world’s most coveted clothing brands on their doorstep as Frasers Group gets set to open a Cruise store in The Glass Works before the summer.

Frasers Group, who had initially earmarked their 11,000 sq ft shop for their Flannels brand, have opted for their up-and-coming modern luxury retail brand, Cruise, with Barnsley set to host its flagship store in Yorkshire.

Cruise offers high-end designer menswear, womenswear, child clothing, shoes and accessories. It boasts international fashion houses such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Armani, Boss, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Stone Island, Polo Ralph Lauren, and many more.

Cllr Steve Houghton, the Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce that River Island and Fridays have agreed to open in The Glass Works. They are two hugely popular brands that will continue to grow our retail and leisure offer and provide people with even more reasons to come and enjoy our town centre, as well as creating jobs and employment for Barnsley.

“We have real momentum right now and our new-look town centre has been buzzing since the opening of The Glass Works Square in September and was incredibly busy in the run up to Christmas. We are extremely excited about what’s to come in 2022 and several more exciting announcements are expected soon. It’s going to be a great year for the Glass Works and for Barnsley”