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PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from John Lewis, HMV, Gap, Shein, OnBuy, Puma, London Underground, ScS, Primark, Clarks, New Look and M&S. Plus, articles on how to make content go farther, building a successful DTC channel, the impact of scrapping tax-free shopping, and more.
THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS
UK consumer confidence regains momentum in August
The latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index saw a five-point increase to -25 in August, with the data showing signs of “renewed optimism” after a six-point fall in July.
John Lewis Partnership to add 10,000 new Christmas jobs
John Lewis Partnership is seeking to recruit more than 10,000 people across the UK for its Christmas period in a bid to deliver “exceptional service” for its John Lewis and Waitrose brands.
HMV owner Putman makes last-minute offer for Wilko
HMV owner Doug Putman has made a last-ditch offer to save troubled retailer Wilko after the company fell into administration.
UK retail sales slide by most in over two years
The Confederation of British Industry's August retail sales index fell to -44, down from -25 in July, and while expectations figures for September are good they will only improve to -21 from -32.
Gap forecasts weak sales on slow consumer spending
Gaps net sales fell 8% to $3.55bn in Q2 a third consecutive drop, and warned it was losing market share to rivals including Shein, Amazon and TK Maxx.
Shein strikes deal with parent company of Forever 21
Shein has entered a strategic partnership with Sparc Group in a bid to expand the duo’s reach across the US and explore new business strategies.
Aldi calls for Wilko staff to apply for jobs in its supermarkets
Aldi is urging staff affected by the collapse of Wilko to apply for one of the 6,000 jobs it has available across its UK stores.
OnBuy opens up seller referral scheme to individuals and businesses
OnBuy is trying to expand the number of its marketplace brands by opening up its seller referral scheme to any individual or business.
TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
The real impact of scrapping tax-free shopping
From closing stores to reconfiguring product lines, the end of tax-free shopping has plagued the retail industry since it was axed at the end of 2020 as part of the government’s Brexit plans.
How to make content go farther
Finding yourself short on bandwidth and still needing to produce content? Learn how to dial up without doubling the work.
How to boost engagement with LinkedIn carousel posts and ads
LinkedIn carousels are still around and well. Hootsuite shows you how to max out engagement with document carousel posts.
How to build a successful DTC channel
Building a direct-to-customer channel can generate substantial value—but only when planned carefully, managed well, and focused on the customer.
How to remove a web page from Google
Legit reasons for removing a page from search results include confidentiality, premium content, dated info, and more.
Global TikTok downloads hit 3-year high
TikTok’s global quarterly downloads for Q2 2023 reached the highest figure in the past three years, totalling 260.8m downloads a year-over-year growth of 17.86%.
Amazon offers influencers $25 to push sales
In a bid to boost the popularity of its TikTok-esque ‘Inspire’ shopping feed, Amazon has reached out to creators offering them $25 each for videos featuring two or more Amazon products.
Global ad spend recovers and expects to top $1trn for first time next year
Global ad spend is recovering and is expected to top over $1rn next year with five companies - Alibaba, Alphabet, Amazon, Bytedance and Meta – taking over half of global advertising.
PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Puma appoints new general manager for Europe
Sportswear brand Puma has appointed Javier Ortega to the position of general manager Europe, he will take up the role starting 1st September.
BRAND NEWS
London Underground fashion brand launches, inspired by city's tube network
Korea’s Handsome - a part of Hyundai Department Store Group - has launched a new streetwear label linked to the world famous London Underground transport network.
Spill-proof sofas make their way to ScS
ScS, has announced the launch of three new sofa ranges specifically designed to support quick and easy cleaning with the use of innovative technology.
Clarks and Eastpak announce collaboration
Eastpak and Clarks, two fashion companies renowned in their respective domains, have joined forces to create a fusion of iconic backpack design and British footwear expertise.
Primark expands WornWell vintage clothing concessions
Primark is adding the Wornwell vintage clothing concessions to two more stores in Newcastle and Glasgow bringing the number to 10 concessions around the UK.
New Look partners with ZigZag to open returns kiosks
New Look has partnered with returns management platform ZigZag Global and will start to roll out return kiosks in a selection of its stores this week.
H&M announces reopening of stores in Ukraine
H&M is believed to be preparing to reopen its stores in Ukraine, despite the ongoing Russian invasion in the war-torn country.
M&S follows Tesco’s example by covering the cost of VAT on period underwear
Marks & Spencer has added to the Say Pants to the Tax campaign it launched last week by covering the VAT cost for its period pants following Tesco’s initiative.
Ikea Oxford Street store opening delayed by a year
Ikea’s new store on London Oxford Street will now not open until autumn 2024, a year late, as the retailer seeks to sustainably renovate the Grade II listed building formerly occupied by Topshop.
Asda makes price cuts on hundreds of products
Asda is investing £23m in cutting prices on 425 branded and own-label items in a bid to help households during the cost-of-living crisis.
AND FINALLY x2
Americans find credit cards to be a source of financial stress
A recent survey commissioned by a buy now, pay later fintech company, found that most Americans believe that credit cards are a major factor in their financial strains.
Nike will sell Mary Earps goalkeeper shirts after widespread backlash
Nike has said it will put replica shirts worn by England goalkeeper Mary Earps during the World Cup on sale following widespread backlash from fans and athletes.
PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES
What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending August 18th 2023?
1/ AW23
2/ Christmas
3/ Halloween
4/ Throw
5/ Green
6/ Bags
7/ Cushion
8/ Wreath
9/ Beach
10/ Bikini
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
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.
Style For Stroke x FUND FUND is a fashion-for-good brand with a mission to fund positive change, prioritising people and planet in everything they do, and since their launch in 2020, they have donated 100% of their profit to good causes.
Fable England produces bags, accessories and delicate hand-painted jewellery with each piece made with positivity and kindness to uplift the human spirit and 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.
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.
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 AW23 womenswear, bags, scarves, dresses, kaftans, jackets and jumpers, accessories and jewellery, as well as Christmas gifts.
Very has new V by Very women’s ranges with sheer and sequin looks and dresses, skirts, jackets, coats, shoes and boots, plus Lucy Mecklenburgh ranges of womenswear and childrenswear.
Roman Originals has new autumn clothes ranges.
New Look has the last drops for August womenswear including cardigans, jumpers, coats, knitwear, bags, blouses, bodysuits, tops, jackets, skirts, trousers, footwear and jewellery.
Primark has makeup accessories, Halloween outfits, and a new AW23 clothes for women, men and kids, plus shoes and bags, as well as makeup, new Click and Collect Exclusives and Flexi Formal range.
Matalan has new AW23 Papaya and Et Vous womenswear including blouses, jackets, trousers, dresses, bags, belts, scarves and lingerie ranges, jewellery ranges, back-to-school ranges, plus pink and Barbie ranges.
Fatface has new AW23 womens, mens, and kids clothing ranges plus shoes, jewellery, bags and accessory ranges.
Dune London Mens has new AW boots and shoe and accessory collections.
Dune London has new shoes, bags and accessories for going out, and new ankle and cowboy boots, sandals, trainers, shoes and luggage.
PrettyLittleThing has a new Indiyah, Ami Charlize and La La Anthony edits.
Accessorize has Christmas themed jewellery, Christmas gifts as well as new bags, purses, cardholders, belts, accessories and jewellery ranges.
Silk & Lawn has new multi-coloured turban and headband ranges.
The Morphbag by GSK has a new range of vegan handbags for Christmas.
Marks & Spencer has new M&S Collection AW23 boots, shoes, bags, hats and scarves for women.
TK Maxx has new clothing, accessories, shoes and boots for women, men’s clothes and shoes and clothes for children and babies.
Belissh has new vegan leather bags and dresses for the party season.
Threadbare has new Urban Renaissance and Luxe women’s wear ranges.
Radley has more 25th anniversary special bags as well as new bag and shoe ranges for releases in August/September/October AW23.
River Island has new womens wear for AW23 including tops, jackets, skirts, trousers, knitwear, bags and partywear.
Barbour has new winter coats plus autumn dresses, coats, bags, gloves and scarves plus gift ranges for Christmas and back-to-school ranges.
Curvy Kate has new Non-Stop, Balcony, Peep Show and plunge ranges.
Joe Browns has new AW23 Autumn Elegance, Charmed Life and Day Dreamer clothing including cardigans, coats, dresses, blouses, trousers plus new footwear ranges.
See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at
Bonmarché Oliver Bonas Shoe Zone Peacocks Regatta Cardfactory Deichmann UK George at Asda Scamp & Dude National Trust shop Tu Clothing From my mother’s garden Aspiga Cotton Traders
Home, garden and food
Daisy Park has new Emma Bridgewater ranges for the autumn, Christmas and Halloween and new Christmas decorations.
The Range has new Christmas decoration ranges.
Homesense has new Christmas decorations and gifts, plus AW23 homeware for the bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom and Halloween decorations as well as gifting ranges.
Cutter & Squidge has Christmas food and hampers.
Cult Furniture has new lighting ranges.
Sofology has new sofa, chairs and footstool ranges.
Primark Home has new homeware collections, Halloween decorations, click and collect exclusives, new AW23 home ranges for kids and adults bedrooms, as well as the kitchen and dining room.
Dunelm has new back-to-university student homeware starter packs, autumn Halloween homewares, sewing, Disney, Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh home and gift, pets, and furniture ranges.
B&M has new ranges for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom plus autumn, Halloween and Christmas decorations and homeware.
Dobbies Garden Centres has new Christmas wreaths, and Christmas gifts and decorations, plus house plant and outdoor living collections.
Cardfactory has a range of Christmas gifts for kids.
Next has new Christmas homeware, bedding, gifts, wrapping and decorations and new Town & Country furniture range, a Natural Rustic furniture ranges plus new bedding and homeware ranges and Halloween homeware.
National Trust shop has new Halloween gift and decorations ranges.
Cambridge Imprint has new Christmas crackers, envelopes and paper ranges.
TK Maxx has new Halloween decorations and Christmas gift including spa gifts and toys plus new AW23 home ranges.
Cuckooland has the Woody outdoor pizza oven, and an innovative 2-person roof-mounted tent.
Oliver Bonas has new homeware, household gifts and accessories as well as furniture for the bedroom and the lounge and decorations for the tree.
Hobbycraft has made and DIY Christmas decorations.
Biscuiteers Baking has a Natural History museum collaboration, and new goodies for Christmas from gifts to edible decorations.
Cartwright & Butler has new Christmas hamper ranges.
Hotel Chocolat has new summer gifting chocolate collections including vegan collections and liqueurs.
See additional new home images from the last weeks from
Very Matalan George Home Marks & Spencer Tweedmill Ivyline Imp & Maker Furniture Village Designers Guild
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 – 67
Days until Singles Day – 78
Days until Black Friday – 91
Days until Christmas Day – 122
Days until Valentine’s Day - 173
AUGUST DIARY
How to make your products attractive to the media in August
Summer is in full-swing and hopefully the weather will improve – ie stop raining in the north and stop being so damn hot in the south. So, there are just a few weeks left to boost your summer-related images before the AW23 images fully kick in.
Plus tag anything relevant with summer/high-summer, and push anything to do with the outside; garden furniture, anything for a garden party, or a picnic or barbecue. Plus, don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnics, garden party, garden parties etc and if you have them then firepits and chimineas for the colder UK evenings would be good.
It's also a good time to start uploading your AW23 images. So jumpers, scarves, coats, boots along with raincoats, hoodies, and cardigans will all start to be searched for by the media.
It's also not too early to be thinking about back-to-school items - Scottish schools start again end of August – and university students will be getting ready to sort out their wardrobes and rooms so add fresher(s) and university as keywords to anything relevant.
It’s also still time to add Halloween ideas and Christmas gifts if you have them.
August Diary - Weeks/Months
Music festivals are still on, so add any festival wear and camping-related things you have and keyword them with festival, particularly in the weeks running up to the August bank holiday weekend with Reading/Leeds festivals 25-27th August.
The 24th marks 3 months until the Black Friday/Cyber Monday (24-27th Nov) weekend so start preparing for those sales now.
Weeks to celebrate this month include; the Edinburgh Festival (5-28th August)
August - Days
25th – National Second-hand Wardrobe Day
25th – Christmas in August (4 months until Christmas Day)
26-28th – Notting Hill Carnival
26th - Women's Equality Day
28th – August Bank Holiday
28th – National Red Wine Day
30th - Raksha Bandhan
SEPTEMBER DIARY
How to make your products attractive to the media in September
Summer is nearly over, and it’s time to look to the autumn and to the winter. Mid-September marks just 100 days to Christmas so you should be adding your Christmas images for those monthly/weekly magazines with medium lead times. Plus, look at adding some spring-summer 24 images for those titles with long lead times, as they will be starting to look at their Feb and March 2024 issues so you can help them out with previews of SS24.
The media are going to be starting to create features around getting back to the office, what to wear for university or college, back-to-school. Now the nights are drawing in, they’ll also be running features on winter wear, so add coats/jumpers/boots plus, they’ll be looking for images for Halloween and bonfire night parties and there are decorations and gifts for Christmas and some last-minute AW images.
Don’t forget to add keywords – Gifts, Christmas, Xmas, Autumn, Winter, and Halloween will all be looked for. It’s National Yoga Awareness Month, so you could add yoga as a keyword on any athleisure wear, floor mats, rugs etc.
If you’re a PRShots brand user and you need more ideas, then take a look at the keywords that media are searching for on PRShots and try and add those in.
September Diary - Weeks/Months
September is National Honey Month and National Yoga Awareness Month, and it’s second-hand September (an Oxfam initiative https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/second-hand-september/), Self-Care September, as well as Organic, September, and Sourdough September.
September also has London Fashion Week between 15th-19th September, and this year features men's and women’s fashion and features digital and physical events. See the schedule here https://londonfashionweek.co.uk/schedule.
There’s also the Moda trade show (3rd-6th Sept), London Textile Fair (4th-5th Sept) Top Drawer (10th-12th Sept) and Sustainable Fashion Week (25th Sept to 8th Oct).
Other weeks to celebrate this month include;
British Science Festival (7th -10th Sept)
New York fashion week (7th-13th Sept)
Jane Austen Festival (8th-17th Sept)
Open House Festival (8th -21st Sept)
National Horse Race Week (9th-17th Sept)
Sexual Health Week (11th- 17th Sept)
Great British Beach Clean week (16th-25th Sept)
British Food Fortnight (16th Sept - 1st Oct)
Negroni week (18th-24th Sept)
Milan fashion week (19th-25th Sept)
Wool Week (23rd Sept – 1st Oct)
Paris fashion week (25th Sept -3rd Oct)
September - Days
1st – National Tofu Day
1st – Blackpool Illuminations start
1st – Schools start going back
4th – Labor Day US
5th – International Charity Day
6th – Read a book Day
6th – Krishna Janmashtami – (Hindu Holiday)
7th – National Beer Lovers day (US)
8th -10th – The Goodwood Revival
10th – Great North Run Newcastle
16th – 100 days until Christmas
19th – Ganesh Chaturthi – (Hindu holiday)
21st – Zero emissions day
22nd – Car-free Day
23rd – September Equinox
15th – Rosh Hashanah
25th – 3 months until Christmas Day
27th – World Tourism 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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