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PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from John Lewis, Sports Direct, Warpaint London, Puig, Wickes, Dr Martens, H&M, Mugler, Selfridges, Next, True Religion, and M&S. Plus articles on the top trends on TikTok, creating personalised email campaigns, boosting sales with long-from content and more.
THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS
Mary Portas wants John Lewis to remain employee-owned
High-street defender Mary Portas has written an open letter to John Lewis on behalf of the British Nation asking them to keep the business employee-owned
Rise in consumer confidence masks ‘stark reality’ of cost-of-living crisis
GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index was up two points to -36 in March However, GfK found expectations for the next 12months increased by three points to -40 nine points up on last March.
Retail sales surge as consumer confidence rises to ‘highest level in a year’
ONS figures for UK retail sales rose by 1.2% in February a figure way ahead of economists’ expectations of (0.2%), and ONS also revised January figures to 0.9% from their original 0.5% figure
Sports Direct owner mulls buying France's Go Sport
Frasers Group has announced its looking at purchasing the French Go Sport brand out of insolvency as a way to gain a major presence in France - Go Sport has 80 stores - and aids growth in Europe
Warpaint London delivers buoyant trading update
Warpaint London had a strong Q4 exceeding previous expectations and Q1 sales are expected to hit a record for the group, with sales already in excess of £16m compared to Q1 in 2022 of £13.2m
Sports Direct to close smaller shops to prioritise larger experiential stores
Sports Direct will start to close its smaller branches (10-20,000 sqft) an prioritise larger, more experiential stores and will introduce USC concessions into all its stores going forward
Puig annual revenues up 40% in 2022 to €3.6bn
Puig group (parent of Paco Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier), saw revenue up 40% in 2022 to €3.62bn, with net profit up 71% to €400m and expects to increase sales to €4.5bn by 2025
John Lewis Partnership trustees could block dilution plans
Any changes to the ownership of the John Lewis Partnership will first need to be agreed by its trustees and just a small group of John Lewis Partnership trustees could block the plans
Wickes boss ‘curious’ about high street DIY store concept
Wickes chief executive David Wood says he is “curious” about the idea of high street DIY shops, a concept currently being trialled by competitors B&Q and Ikea.
TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
Are PRs free to say what they like on social?
PRMoment asked PRs about the importance of freedom of speech and being able to speak their true minds in the media and being able to post frank and honest opinions on social channels.
How long-form content can boost sales
Learn how creating and using substantive content for your B2B brand can drive organic traffic and boost sales.
How to create personalised email marketing campaigns
How to be more efficient and still generate high ROI with personalised email campaigns backed by first-party data.
The most important TikTok trends
Who has the time to keep up with every single TikTok trend every single day? These are the longer-term trends we think are here to stay, at least for a little while.
How M&S' transformation is strengthening the bottom line
The transformation at Marks & Spencer is now fully underway, with both the food and clothing & home divisions moving forward with purpose and conviction towards an omnichannel future.
Snap launches new augmented reality tools for retailers
Snap has unveiled its Augmented Reality Enterprises Services (ARES), a collection of digital tools designed to help businesses integrate Snap’s AR technology into their ecommerce channels.
New Shopify and Google Cloud AI integration
Shopify and Google Cloud have a new integration enabling retailers using Commerce Components - Shopify’s enterprise retail solution - to leverage Googles search capabilities and AI innovations.
PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Dr. Martens appoints Andrew Harrison as non-executive director
Dr. Martens has appointed former Carphone Warehouse chief executive Andrew Harrison as an independent non-executive director.
BRAND NEWS
M&S spring style campaign puts bigger focus on men's and kidswear
M&S has unveiled its spring style marketing campaign as the latest iteration of its ‘Anything but Ordinary’ brand platform and has an “upweighted” focus on kids and menswear
Fortnum & Mason revamps Piccadilly flagship
Fortnum & Mason is revamping its flagship store with its third floor acting as a “creative hub” focused on food and drink in a bid to attract a wider range of shoppers
H&M has shared more details of its Mugler collab that will be launching in May with the company, calling it a "landmark partnership"
Selfridges introduces made-to-measure offer
Selfridges has introduced new “tailoring workrooms” in store for the launch of a made-to-measure service in collaboration with eight brands, including Giorgio Armani, Prada and Thom Browne.
Next is returning to Glasgow with a new flagship store
Next has signed a 10-year lease for a new 28,000 sq ft flagship location at St. Enoch shopping centre in Glasgow.
True Religion introduces loyalty programme as part of digital-first transformation
True Religion has announced the launch of a new loyalty programme as it continues to implement a series of strategic initiatives to move towards becoming a digital-first, DTC brand.
Amazon UK workers plan further strikes as they slam pay rise ‘insult’
Amazon UK workers are planning further strikes and branded the online giant’s 50p an hour pay increase an “insult”.
Asos expands health and beauty offer with more than 200 new brands
Asos is to add more than 200 new brands to its Face + Body range this April and May as “viral trends and products drive demand”.
AND FINALLY
V&A releases details of and early tickets for first UK Coco Chanel exhibition
The V&A has released a limited number of tickets for the exhibition dedicated to the work of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel opening 16 Sept and apparently yes it will cover her WW11 period
Levi’s trials AI-generated models to ‘increase diversity’
Fashion retailer Levi’s has announced it will trial the use of AI-generated models in a bid to “increase diversity of models that shoppers see”
PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES
What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending March 17th 2023?
1/ Easter
2/ Mother’s Day
3/ Garden
4/ Bathroom
5/ Pink
6/ Kitchen
7/ Earrings
8/ Bag
9/ Cushion
10/ Bedroom
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 a new Paula Echevarria and NFL Dolphins collaboration, beachwear and accessories, plus an EDIT range
Shoe Zone has new kids ranges
Dune London has a new range of bags and kids shoe ranges for the summer
New Look has new footwear ranges, swimwear and summer clothing drops
PrettyLittleThing has new festival collections, new ranges and collabs
Very has new V by Very and Very Curve ranges plus Michelle Keegan collaborations
Roman Originals has new spring and summer ranges in all sizes
TK Maxx has new clothing, shoes, make up and accessories
Barbour has new mens, womens and kids ranges
River Island has a new Nine range as well as swimwear and accessories, spring/summer clothing
Dune London Men’s has new SS23 shoes and accessories ranges
National Trust Shop has new scarves, hats, bags and accessories
Matalan has new bags, hats and sandals
Threadbare has new mens and womens ranges
Peacocks has new womenswear ranges
Fatface has new mens, womens and kids ranges
Monsoon has a new SS23 childrenswear, womenswear, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories
Cotton Traders has new summer wear imagery
Oliver Bonas has new dresses, bags, jewellery, shoes and accessories
Radley has new ranges but check the embargo
See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at
The Morphbag by JSK Marks & Spencer NoLoGo Dancing Leopard Crew Clothing Very Bryony Bel Lipsy Tu Clothing Regatta Teva Office TU Clothing Cath Kidston Joe Browns Aspiga From my mother’s garden
Home, garden and food
Ivyline has a new outdoor furniture, pots, planters, hanging baskets, firepits and mirrors and more
Cardfactory has new mermaid themed gifts
Dunelm has new camping and outdoor ranges homeware and Easter gifts and decorations
Cambridge Imprint has new cards and gifts
Marks & Spencer has new outdoor ranges
Furniture Village has new outdoor furniture
Dobbies Garden Centres has new terrariums, plants, pet ranges, things for the home, and patio furniture.
TK Maxx has new home ranges and toys
Homesense has new gift ranges for pets, party ranges, home furniture and things for outdoor dining
The Range has 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 and Father’s Day
Nologo has new tableware
National Trust shop has new plant collections, Easter gifts and summer items for outdoor living
B&M has new animal gifts
Oliver Bonas has new home ranges
Sofology has a new Sapporo, Hetty and Fellini ranges and a new corner sofa bed
Wilko has new 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
See additional new home images from the last weeks from
Branch Jewellery Primark GettingPersonal Nest Cartwright & Butler Cutter & Squidge Fatface George Home Daisy Park Very Primark Home Cath Kidston
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 Easter – 16
Days until Eid al-Fitr – 28
Days until The Coronation - 43
Days until Halloween – 221
Days until Singles Day - 232
Days until Black Friday – 245
Days until Christmas Day – 276
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.
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
World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27th – Apr 2nd)
English Tourism Week (Mar 17th – Mar 26th)
Ideal Home Show (Mar 17th – Apr 2nd)
National Fragrance Week (Mar 20th – Mar 26th)
The Big Walk and Wheel (Mar 20th – Mar 31st) Changes
March - Days
25th – National Bridesmaids Day
26th – British Summertime Begins (clocks go forward)
26th – Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
31st – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research)
How to get your brand on the April Editorial Calendars, search engines and social media
We’re now definitely in Spring, and people are thinking about the approaching summer holidays, so add any spring-summer-related images you have and add in keywords relating to summer outfits and summer events e.g. festivals, Glastonbury, beachwear, swimwear, the garden, garden parties, outdoor living, things for the patio, and of course Barbecues. Don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnic, garden party, get-togethers, parties, socials, gatherings and for the young ‘gaths’.
While some people are looking to holidays abroad some are also trimming their budgets thanks to the rising costs of gas and electricity etc, and are looking closer to home, so add in keywords and phrases like “staycation”, “holistay”, “holiday at home” to your keywords and why not suggest clothing like cardigans for the colder UK evenings.
It’s also Easter and the first big break of the year, and it’s traditionally when people start to look at brightening up their gardens/patios/windowsills, so include any planting/gardening imagery and keywords as well as any of the standard Easter related items, decorations, presents, bunnies and of course eggs and chocolate.
April Diary – Weeks/Months
As well as Easter there are lots of other big events in April. April is World Stress awareness month and National Pet Month in the UK, so if you have anything to relieve stress (massage products, recliners, diffusers, pillows, garden swings etc) and anything for pets (dog coats, cat collars, dog beds will also be looked for etc) then add them and get all the relevant keywords added.
Other events include;
World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27th – Apr 2nd)
Community Garden Week (Apr 3rd – Apr 9th)
Discover National Parks Fortnight (Apr 4th – Apr 18th)
International Dark-Sky Week (Apr 15th – Apr 22nd)
Allergy Awareness Week (Apr 20th – Apr 25th)
MS Awareness Week (Apr 24th – Apr 30th)
April - Days
1st – April Fool’s Day
5th – Passover Begins
6th – Maundy Thursday
7th – World Health Day
7th – National Beer Day (US)
7th – Good Friday
9th – Easter Sunday
10th – Easter Monday
13th – Passover Ends
14th – Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year)
14th-16th – Coachella Weekend One
15th – Grand National
21st - National Tea Day
21st – End of Ramadan
22nd – Earth Day
21st- 23rd – Coachella Weekend Two
23rd – St George’s Day
23rd - National Asparagus Day
23rd – Shakespeare Day
24th - National Skipping Day
24th – Fashion Revolution Day
25th – World Malaria Day
25th – National Lingerie Day
26th – Stop Food Waste Day
29th - International Dance 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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