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PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from Pandora, Zara, DKNY, G-III, Miniso, Suit Direct, Mango, Charles Tyrwhitt, Ben Sherman, Bloobloom and Forever Now. Plus articles on AI for email marketing, how to improve your SEO, ten top tips for better integrated campaigns and more.

Happy St Patricks Day

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THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Deliveroo on ‘path to profitability’ as losses narrow

Deliveroo made a nearly £300m loss last year but remains confident that it is making “excellent progress on the path to profitability”.

Retail footfall plunges 11.1% amid widespread strike action

MRI Springboard footfall figures fell by 11.1% on Wednesday due to the rail strike with retail parks hardest hit with a drop in footfall of 21.3% compared with last Wednesday.

Brands are looking at moving from paid advertising to earned content creation

Just over half (52%) of brands are considering moving their budget away from paid advertising efforts to UGC as only 48% of brands can somewhat gauge how successful their paid advertising is

AI is used in marketing by two thirds of B2B organisations

AI is used in marketing by 67% of B2B organisations with more than 70% of respondents plan to “moderately” or “significantly” increase their plans for using AI in marketing processes.

Zara’s owner to introduce new anti-theft technology

Zara’s owner Inditex is to get rid of hard anti-theft tags in stores this year and will replace them with chips sewn into garments, which Inditex said will cut checkout times by up to 50%.

G-III revenue up 14% in Q4,

Karl Lagerfeld, DKNY owner G-III Apparel Q4 to Jan 31 revenues were up 14.2% to $854.4m but made a net loss of $261.1m, and FY22 saw  revenue up 16.6% to $3.23bn and a net loss of $133m

Liverpool One outperforms UK retail sales in 2023

Liverpool One operator Grosvenor reported a 16.5% uplift in sales with a 6.5% increase in footfall compared to 2022 and expects a further rise when Eurovision comes to Liverpool

UK gift card market continues to thrive

Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) and KPMG UK figures show a median 10.4% increase in sales, with grocery the highest growth area (up 11.8%) but fashion was hit hard (7.8% down)

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How Pandora is overhauling its digital strategy

Despite being widely recognised for its popular physical stores, cult jewellery brand Pandora is embarking on an ambitious digital transformation programme.

AI for email marketing

Artificial intelligence can streamline an email marketing program. But it's the human element that drives performance.

How to improve your SEO

Targeting the right keywords for your business can create one of the highest ROI channels. But how do you identify and prioritize the right keywords? Start with these four questions.

Ten top tips to help you create integrated campaigns

Integrated campaigns may involve many channels. So it is no surprise there are many hurdles to overcome to create a cohesive campaign that ticks everyone’s boxes.

3 brands proving sustainability can be fashionable

Brands that truly encapsulate the meaning of sustainability are far and few but there are some that truly make their efforts evident throughout their entire operation.

BRAND NEWS

Miniso eyes Northern Ireland or Scotland as it targets 50 UK stores

Chinese lifestyle retailer Miniso is set to expand its store estate in Northern Ireland or Scotland as it aims to have 50 stores in the UK by 2025. 

Suit Direct launches budget option for cash-strapped shoppers

Formalwear specialist Suit Direct has become the latest company to react to consumers seeking budget options with the launch of a “new affordable range”.

TikTok Shop UK launches parent and baby product category

TikTok Shop UK is set to launch parents and baby products on its platform, allowing shoppers to buy products directly from the platform

Mango invests in rental platform La Más Mona

Mango is investing in party dress and accessories rental platform La Más Mona through its Mango StartUp Studio accelerator and will launch a Mango Renting Service trial on its platform

Charles Tyrwhitt to return to Bristol roots

Charles Tyrwhitt is to return to its home roots with the opening of its first store in Bristol at Cribbs Mall later this month.

Ben Sherman celebrates 60th anniversary with new ‘decades’ collection

British menswear brand Ben Sherman has launched a new T-shirt collection inspired by music, culture, and art from the last six decades

Bloobloom eyewear to open five more London stores

French designer eyewear brand Bloobloom is opening an additional five new London stores this year as part of a wider expansion plans

Australia's Forever New opens its first store in London

Australian womenswear Forever New is opening a new flagship in Westfield London, marking its first store in the UK’s capital city.

Cook to roll out 15 fully automated frozen meal vending machines

Frozen meals specialists Cook are rolling out 15 automated ready meals vending machines in March as part of its venture to “innovate in the UK catering sector.”

Biomaterial sequins are World’s first for Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney’s US Vogue April edition cover features Cara Delevingne wearing a jumpsuit made of BioSequins made using a biodegradable non-toxic material

AND FINALLY x2

Francis Ingham CEO of The PRCA dies aged 47

Francis Ingham was the CEO of the PR trade body PRCA and has died at the age of 47 after a short illness, Francis led the PRCA from 2007 and turned the organisation around.  

Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold dies aged 62 after breast cancer battle

Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold has died following seven years of treatment for breast cancer. She transformed the chain from four shops into a multi-million pound business.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending March 10^th 2023?

1/ Easter

2/ Mother’s Day

3/ Coronation

4/ Garden

5/ SS23

6/ Dress

7/ Lantern

8/ Denim

9/ Cushion  

10/ Gingham

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

Studio started back in 1962 and delivers everything from homewares through to clothing and footwear from top brand names as well as its own branded clothing.

Mission C founder Qes discovered that CBD oil helped his Grandad - who was living with dementia - feel calm and contented, he knew it could help others too. So he created a natural and accessible remedy for people looking to improve their quality of life.

Lavender Hill creates luxurious staples, using natural sources, with extra emphasis placed on how the clothes feel,  giving every item the softest touch imaginable and that every piece feels soft and comforting next to your skin.

Jessica Russell Flint is British designer who creates vibrant, entirely unique hand-illustrated prints, with luxury products ranging across accessories, clothing, sleepwear and homeware.

&Sons is all about vintage-inspired clothing for the modern-day Pioneer. Timeless garments for the modern man, designed by and for craftspeople, artisan makers and creative pioneers in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Damsons aim is to cater to real women who face the challenges of life with open arms. Their latest collection is influenced by vintage workwear and iconic styles, delicately transformed into contemporary feminine silhouettes.

Tweedmill is a family run business established in 1971 that creates beautiful British made blankets, picnic rugs, home accessories and more and are stocked in more than 4000 retailers UK wide.

Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear is designed to make women feel fabulous about their curves. With sizes from D to K cups Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear ethos is to “Fit, lift, shape and comfort.”

Imp & Maker founded by entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn to bring together food, drinks & gifts from established, emerging and exciting new names in the food & drink world for both home and corporate gifting.

Scamp & Dude was created by Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and previous MD of Beauty Seen PR and is famous for their signature leopard and lightning bolt print and vibrant designs, which features in their mens, womens, kids and baby ranges.

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

Primark has new EDIT range and new shoes, beachwear, plus new women and mens summer clothing, makeup and kids clothing and accessories

New Look has new swimwear and summer clothing drops

Peacocks has new womenswear ranges

Very has new V by Very and Very Curve ranges plus Michelle Keegan collaborations

PrettyLittleThing  has PrettyLittleThing and Teyana Taylor Designer of the Year and new ranges and collabs

Fatface has new mens, womens and kids ranges

Barbour has new Modern Heritage mens, womens and kids ranges

Roman Originals has new spring and summer ranges in all sizes

Monsoon has a new SS23 childrenswear,  womenswear, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories

Cotton Traders has new summer wear imagery

Dune London has new bags and kids shoe ranges for the summer

Threadbare has new mens and womens ranges

Oliver Bonas has new dresses, bags, jewellery, shoes and accessories

River Island has new swimwear and accessories, spring and summer clothing, plus wedding outfits for him and her

National Trust Shop has new scarves, hats, bags and accessories

The Morphbag by JSK has new PETA certified vegan bag ranges

Dune London Men’s has new SS23 shoes and accessories ranges

Marks & Spencer has new M&S Collection bags, sunglasses, shoes and hats for the summer,  a new denim collection, and lingerie from its “Love your Boobs” campaign

Radley has new ranges but check the embargo

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

NoLoGo  Dancing Leopard Crew Clothing Very Matalan Bryony Bel  Lipsy Tu Clothing Regatta Teva Office TU Clothing Cath Kidston Joe Browns Aspiga From my mother’s garden TK Maxx  Night Store John Lewis

Home and food

Homesense has new gift ranges for pets and things for outdoor dining

The Range has Mother’s Day presents, Easter homeware and decorations, plus kitchen and homeware to keep you organised in 2023

Cuckooland has new outdoor furniture

Biscuiteers Baking has new coronation goodies as well as Smiley 50th birthday ranges plus Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day

Nologo has new tableware

Dobbies Garden Centres has new terrariums, plants, pet ranges, things for the home, and patio furniture.

National Trust shop has new plant collections, Easter gifts and summer items for outdoor living

B&M has new animal gifts

Ivyline has a new grow your own range of garden pots, planters, hanging baskets and more  

Oliver Bonas has new home ranges

Sofology has a new Sapporo, Hetty and Fellini ranges and a new corner sofa bed

Dunelm has new camping and outdoor ranges homeware and Easter gifts and decorations

Wilko has new Mothers Day gifts and home items

Cult Furniture  has new interiors items as well as tables and chairs

Fritz Fryer has new lighting solutions

Next launches outdoor dining ranges, Easter collections as well as a new Tahiti, Stockholm, Arches, Valencia and Medley interiors collections

Branch Jewellery has new ranges

Primark has new bright homeware for the kitchen and bathroom and for Easter events

GettingPersonal has new unique personalised Mother’s Day gifts

Nest  Has outdoor living furniture and interior ideas 

See additional new home images from the last weeks from

Furniture Village Cardfactory Cartwright & Butler Cutter & Squidge Fatface George Home Daisy Park  Very Primark Home Cath Kidston TK Maxx Hotel Chocolat John Lewis Marks & Spencer Cambridge Imprint

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 Alert

Days until Mother’s Day – 2

Days until Easter – 23

Days until Eid al-Fitr – 35

Days until The Coronation - 50

Days until Halloween – 228

Days until Singles Day - 239

Days until Black Friday – 252

Days until Christmas Day – 283

How to get your brand on the March Editorial Calendars, search engines and social media 

March is mostly about preparing for the big Easter holidays in April so make sure you are starting to include relevant Easter keywords, plus it’s also the time people make their first big getaway abroad so any keywords and clothes for warmer climes, loungewear, going out wear, swimsuits, bikinis etc should be added.

At the end of the month there’s Mother’s Day so try and get Mother, gifts, or Mother’s Day into your keywords for anything that seems appropriate. Also, if you have anything green then add the Keyword St Patricks Day.

Plus, as we’re now definitely in Spring, carry on adding those spring and summer-related images and adding keywords relating to the summer like swimwear, outdoor living, garden, garden parties and Barbecues (don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc).   

We’re also starting to get ready for the bridal season – the peak is May to October – so If you have bridal wear or anything appropriate to weddings then start to upload it, and label it with the keyword wedding.

Lastly, it’s Oscar month so why not upload some smart suits and dresses and create an Oscar section for an evening watching the Oscars.  

If you’re looking for more hooks to help promote your brand and products then see the list of days, weeks and fortnights below.

March Diary - Weeks/Months

In the UK it’s National Bed Month - Introduced by The Sleep Council and The National Bed Federation, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of sleep so push anything sleep-related. it’s also the British Heart Foundation Dechox month which encourages people to give up chocolate – cakes and biscuits - for the month! So, any chocolate, biscuit or cake alternatives should be pushed.   

Interesting Stat: National No-Smoking day was originally on Ash Wednesday when it was started in 1984. It was moved to the second Wednesday in March as, while it’s less easy to remember, the date doesn’t move around the calendar quite so much as Ash Wednesday does.  

Other events include;

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

British Science Week (10^th-19^th)

World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27^th – Apr 2^nd)

Ideal Home Show (Mar 17^th – Apr 2^nd)

London Bridal Fashion Week (19^th-21^st)

National Fragrance Week (20^th-26^th)

March - Days

17^th – St Patrick’s Day

17^th – World Sleep Day

17^th - Red Nose Day for Comic Relief

18^th – Global Recycling Day

19^th - Mother’s Day UK

20^th – First Day of Spring 

21^st – International Day of Forests

21^st – World Poetry Day

22^nd – World Water Day

22^nd - Start of Ramadan

25^th – National Bridesmaids Day

26^th – British Summertime Begins 

26^th – Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

31^st – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research)  

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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