First look inside Manchester Arndale's transformed River Island store - with interactive dressing rooms

River Island's Manchester Arndale store has undergone a major transformation - boasting interactive dressing rooms and self-service checkouts. TV star Lucy Mecklenburgh cut the ribbon at the official reopening on Thursday (April 25).

There were plenty of treats for excited shoppers - including a DJ, a coffee van, a pop-up flower cart and the chance to win in-store discounts.

The first 50 customers who spend over £55 each day of the three-day event will get a limited-edition tote bag.

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The new expanded store spans 13,947 square feet and offers fans a 'unique, fully integrated shopping experience'.

Similar to its concept store at the Trafford Centre, shoppers can use interactive fitting rooms to make sure they get the correct item - in the right size.

As you’re trying on your haul, the fitting rooms will identify your products. Using the touch screen interface, you can ask for more sizes, choose alternative styles or get help from one of our in-store stylists. Even better, you don’t have to leave your fitting room.

While the dressing room can be a space of dread - and often hurry - River Island's new spaces are huge and luxurious. It all adds to the lush experience.

Looking around on the rails, it's clear to see the brand is moving with the times, with trendy collections from rodeo-chic to the latest accessories.

The seamless self-checkouts on each of the three floors are a dream for customers in a hurry.

Exclusive to the Arndale, River Island fans can find a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.

Channelling the boho trend with detailed embroidery, lace trims and relaxed silhouettes, the 19-piece collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.

With a brass band smashing out pop hits in the minutes leading up to the stores public opening at 11.30am, crowds eagerly gathered on Thursday to take a peak inside.

The Only Way Is Essex star and partner of Corrie’s Ryan Thomas Lucy Mecklenburgh was also there this morning to open the store.

River Island at Manchester Arndale is open weekday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 11.30am to 5.30pm.