Main Image:  PrettyLittleThing

PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from DFS, Jacamo, Oh Polly, Cider, Shoe Zone, Superdrug, Zara, and Lush. Plus articles on how to get better customer data, can online fashion fix its returns problem, are fashion influencers still influential and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Shoe Zone ups profit guidance as demand climbs

Shoe Zone has increased its profit guidance from £10.5m to £13.5m for the financial year ending Oct 2, 2023 as demand for value soars during the cost-of-living crisis.

Superdrug continues to bounce back

Superdrug saw strong Christmas trading resulting in a 17% sales increase to £1.4bn in 2022 and profit before tax was up 71.7% to £77.8m with the brand opening 11 new stores in 2022.  

Cost-of-living crisis to cost households £65bn

The cost-of-living crisis is likely cost households £65bn and will continue for the next 10 months, according to the latest research by Retail Economics and Grant Thornton UK LLP.

Back-to-school spending set for first decline in nine years

Back-to-school spending is expected to fall for the first time in nine years as shoppers across all income levels pull back on non-essential purchases due to cost-of-living increases says Deloitte.

Delivery services will get worse and more expensive

Nearly half (47%) of UK consumers are worried that the way parcels are sent and received is not sustainable, and services will get worse and more expensive.

Blueprint to save future of retail sector launched

Usdaw has launched a blueprint to help save shops from closing while improving the quality of jobs in the sector as the industry continues to face one of the most challenging periods in history.

Zara owner aims to cut value chain emissions by 50% by 2030

Zara owner Inditex has announced new sustainability targets including a 50% cut to emissions along its value chain by 2030 expanding its circularity projects and pursuing new biodiversity initiatives.

Amazon legally challenges EU big tech rules for being ‘unfairly singled out’

Amazon has filed a petition at the Court of Justice in Luxembourg claiming has been wrongly categorised as a “very large online platform” and under the bloc’s Digital Services Act laws.

France will pay consumers to repair shoes and clothes

From October, France will pay consumers a contribution to the cost of clothes and shoe repairs to help reduce the 700k tonnes of clothes sent to landfill every year.

Frasers ups stake in Currys

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has increased its shares in Currys from 10.4% to 11.1% as the pair start discussions about a possible tie-up.

Revolution Beauty CEO may quit as part of compromise deal

Revolution Beauty’s chief executive Robert Holt may quit as part of a compromise with fashion retailer Boohoo.

Lush says Brexit sent European sales lower

Ethical cosmetics company Lush is blaming Brexit for lower European sales in the year to June 2022. Overall, the company posted a 28% fall in sales that year with its UK market seeing a 10% drop.

LVMH’s L Catterton ‘mulls Birkenstock listing’

LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton, which bought a majority stake in Birkenstock in 2021, is reportedly considering strategic options for the footwear brand, including a flotation.

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Can online fashion turn its returns problem around?

With return rates on the increase, Retail Week looks at what fashion retailers can do to transform this perennial pain point into a potential opportunity.

Are fashion influencers still influential in 2023?

With several fashion brands naming influencers and celebrities as brand ambassadors, designers, and creative directors, influencers have certainly stolen the show in recent years.

How to get better customer data

Learn how to generate data that actually improves what you’re selling, and in turn attracts more customers.

How to create better headlines with AI

Headlines are often more difficult to compose than an article's body copy. Fortunately, AI tools can help.

How to create content that achieves big results on a small budget

By leveraging tools and platforms for efficient content creation, distribution, and analytics, PR firms can enhance their ability to deliver impactful content despite resource limitations.

7 key email metrics to track beyond opens and clicks

These lesser-known metrics will shed more light on whether your email program is thriving, surviving or ready for resuscitation.

100 Instagram hashtags to help grow your views

Instagram hashtags can make or break your Instagram strategy. Use them correctly and you’ll get your posts seen by more people.

Has the market for 'vegan' leather stalled?

How can an expensive man-made, plastic-based product ever compete with a durable, natural by-product of another huge industry?

Mastering crisis communication with ChatGPT

New book shows how to use ChatGPT as an efficient and unflustered assistant when it comes to crisis communications. Even better, it shows you how to plan ahead.

Social media use is on the decline but TikTok continues to rise

The average daily time spent on social media has declined globally since last year, however some platforms, particularly TikTok, have continued to grow throughout 2023.

Meta ads deliver best results in three years as costs drop and conversions soar

Meta ads are currently performing better than at any point since April 2021, as costs reach a three-year low and conversion rates soar by 50%.

BRAND NEWS

DFS revamps online customer experience with ai-powered chatbot

DFS has partnered with CM.com to provide an improved and more innovative service to customers, via the AI chatbot ‘Sofia’.

N Brown launches new trading website for Jacamo

N Brown, the parent company of JD Williams and Simply Be, has launched a new trading website for its Jacamo inclusive menswear brand.

Oh Polly to provide carbon-free fashion deliveries

Global fashion retailer Oh Polly has joined forces with all-electric courier Packfleet to provide London-based shoppers with carbon-free fashion deliveries.

Cider to open first-ever styling suite in the UK

US social-first fashion brand, Cider, is opening its first-ever UK pop-up styling experience in London to introduce the trend-led brand to British consumers.

AND FINALLY

How to tell when you’re reading something written by AI

At some point this week, you may have read a sentence written by artificial intelligence and not even known it. So how do you spot when something is read by ChatGPT.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending July 7^th 2023?

1/ AW23

2/ Bikini

3/ Beach

4/ Swimwear

5/ Christmas

6/ Barbie

7/ Summer

8/ Garden

9/ Pink  

10/ Mirror

COLLABORATIONS ON PRSHOTS

Our PRShots brands are looking for media and influencers who want to work with them on collaborations. Register for free at PRShots new collabs service to find out more https://collabs.prshots.com/ 

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Fable England produces bags, accessories and delicate hand-painted jewellery with each piece made with positivity and kindness to uplift the human spirit and to bring joy to their owners.

Neem London produces sustainable, stylish and classic menswear pieces with low emissions, and according to the Guardian is “a label to consider for your wardrobe staples”

Rebecca Rhoades is a successful and well-acknowledged Leeds-based womenswear designer who specialises in slow fashion featuring beautiful designs that are well known across the globe with influence in the UK, UAE, AU & EU.

Belissh create bags and dresses for going out and having fun and are committed to creating solutions that are environmentally friendly using sustainable fabric options.

Amelia Scott is a new London-based accessories brand created by Jane Hebden, an award-winning watch and jewellery designer. The jewellery range celebrates individuality and embraces the wonderful world of colour.

Lola Starr ranges are designed with the environment and functionality in mind. They source only the highest quality recyclable materials designed to be recycled, recreated and remoulded again and again. They are a British brand that champions local expertise and keeps the carbon footprint to its lowest level.

Arran Sense of Scotland puts quality and fragrance first, so you can be sure that each of their Bath, Body & Home products have been expertly crafted and manufactured with the greatest care on the Island home of Arran.

HELP WITH YOUR IMAGE SEARCHES

The latest images on PRShots are found here https://www.prshots.com/whatsnew why not bookmark the page for a regular feed of the latest images on PRShots!! You can select the latest images from the last 24hours, week, or month.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Monsoon has new kids clothing ranges and womenswear including bags, scarves, dresses, kaftans, jackets and jumpers, accessories and jewellery.

Primark has a new monogram bag ranges, back-to-school ranges, a Barbie movie range, and a new Edit range.

PrettyLittleThing has Gemma Owen, Diliamne Jacob and Jayda Cheaves ranges of holiday outfits for the beach and the clubs, a bodycon range, a festival collection, a Molly Mae Summer edit.

Shoe Zone has new back-to-school and women’s and men’s shoes.

Threadbare has more summer clothing with a RHS collaboration, cool womenswear and menswear  in its Urban Renaissance and Luxe ranges.

Roman Originals has new floral outfits, spring and summer ranges in all sizes.

National Trust shop has new summer outdoor gifts plus autumn and winter accessories and Christmas gifts.

Dune London has new boots, shoes, luggage, sandals and bags.

New Look has new women’s summer wear, accessories, and footwear ranges.

Matalan has back-to-school ranges, plus pink and Barbie ranges and summer accessories and a new 20 outfits for £20 or less online range.

From my mother’s garden has new womenswear.

Barbour has new bags and scarves and back-to-school ranges for all weathers.

Oliver Bonas has new clothing, accessories, footwear and jewellery ranges.

Fatface has a new Julien and Adele ranges of womenswear and high summer 2023 ranges for men, women and kids.

Peacocks has new womenswear for AW23

Joe Browns has new AW23 cosy clothing ranges as well as shoes, boots, bags and accessories.

Curvy Kate has new Retro Wave, High Waist, Happy Boobs, Lift-Off, Centre Stage,  Senses, Authority, Lifestyle, Wonderfully, Enclose, Boost in Bloom, Scantilly, Twist & Shout ranges.

Accessorize has new Sundown jewellery, summer clothing, hats, scarves, shoes and bag ranges.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at

George at Asda Aspiga Cotton Traders River Island  Seol + Gold Lipsy Teva Daisy Park The Night Store Office Very  Bonmarché F&F Silk & Lawn Scamp & Dude Dunelm

Home, garden and food

Wilko has new ranges for the kitchen, dining room and the lounge

Cartwright & Butler has new Halloween goodies.

Biscuiteers Baking has new goodies for Christmas from gifts to edible decorations.

Hobbycraft has new Halloween ranges plus weaving and clay kits, sewing kits, cross stitching kits, gifts, Pride clothing, summer party ranges, foam mosaic art and paint and sew your own ranges.

Primark Home has a new home ranges for the bedroom, kitchen and dining room.

Next has a new Dark Fem 1930s inspired furniture ranges, plus new Kindred home accessories and Nomadic, Reflections, Optimism and Moss Green ranges of furniture, Kitchenware and homeware.

Homesense has new homeware for the lounge, kitchen and bathroom and Halloween decorations as well as gifting ranges.

Matalan has new Christmas home and gifts collections.

The Range has its Christmas and Halloween ranges, outdoor furniture, things for the kitchen, fans to keep you cool, new beach accessories, homeware, festival gear.

National Trust shop has new things for the garden and home and Christmas decorations.

B&M has new Christmas decorations and gifts, Halloween ranges, plus Natural bathroom, kitchen pantry and Winter Harvest ranges.

Tweedmill has new throws and blankets for the home, hot water bottles plus picnic blankets.

Cult Furniture has new furniture and lamps.

Oliver Bonas has new cushions, lamps, art plus gift ranges and kitchen and home ranges and Christmas decorations.

Cuckooland has new furniture for outdoors.

See additional new home images from the last weeks from

Ivyline Imp & Maker Hotel Chocolat Furniture Village  Daisy Park Designers Guild Cambridge Imprint Dobbies Garden Centres Dunelm Sofology George Home

Looking for inspiration?

Our trends lightboxes section has lots of ideas for features and themes but If  you can't find something or you need help then email us at support@prshots.com, and we'll see if we can help

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Halloween - 111

Days until Singles Day – 122

Days until Black Friday – 135

Days until Christmas Day - 166

How to get your brand on the July Editorial/Media Calendars, higher up on search engines and in social media

Summer is here! So keep on adding anything summery to your keywords and descriptions eg summer clothing, swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses, plus things to keep you cool, like fans, sun hats and sun shades. Also, push anything to do with the outside, so garden furniture, anything for a garden party, or a picnic or barbecue, and don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnic.

The festival season is now in full-swing, and the media are all looking for festival wear and things to take to festivals (tents, fans, ice boxes, torches etc). We’re also getting ready to go on holiday so beachwear, bikinis, swimsuits, shorts, trunks, luggage, bags etc are all being searched for.

Clothing keywords being searched for this summer include; crochet, maxi dresses, mermaid-core, and anything Pink and Barbie-related.    

But not everyone is going abroad. The cost of living crisis is cutting the money in everyone’s wallets, so shoppers are still looking at holidays closer to home. Add in keywords and phrases like “staycation”, “holistay”, “holiday at home” to your keywords and why not suggest clothing like raincoats, coats, hoodies, and cardigans? If you stock them, then firepits and chimineas for the colder UK evenings would be good to add.

July Diary - Weeks/Months

July is Independent Retailer Month, Plastic-free Month, and National Ice Cream Month in the US.  It’s also Alcohol Awareness Week (3^rd- 9^th Jul), Wimbledon fortnight (3^rd-16^thJul), Berlin Fashion Week (10^th – 13^th Jul), Northern Fashion Week (14^th- 16^th Jul), the Men’s and Women’s Ashes tournaments continues through July, and it’s Cowes Week (29^th Jul - 5^th Aug).  

July - Days 

12^th – Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland)

14^th - Bastille Day (France)

16^th – National Ice Cream Day (US Third sundae in July 😉)

18^th - Nelson Mandela International day

19^th - Muharram/Islamic New Year 

21^st – Start of the school holidays  

22^th-23^rd  - Northern Pride 

23^rd – National Parents Day (US)

24^th – National Tequila Day (US)

25^th – Christmas in July (5 months until Christmas)

29^th – National Lipstick Day

Do you have any news on your brand that you want us to feature, or have a new appointee or a new event that you would like us to feature? Get in touch at news@prshots.com We don't charge, so get emailing now!!!

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