Main Image: Dune London

PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Hotter, Scotch & Soda, M&S, Matalan, Unbound, and Next. Plus articles on improving your customer experience, the best times to post on social media, why you need MMM and more.

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein drive revenue growth at PVH

PVH parent to Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein Q4 revenue was up 2% $2.489bn with PVH FY22 sales down 1% to $9.024bn on 2021 figures and an EBIT of $471m down from $1.077bn in 2021

Ocado sales rise 3.4% but shoppers buy less

Ocado sales edged up 3.4% to £583.7m in the quarter to 26th Feb despite customers shopping in smaller quantities

Next in advanced talks to acquire Cath Kidston

Next is in advanced talks to buy Cath Kidston from current owners Hilco, who put the retailer up for sale in February

Hotter owner Unbound mulls possible takeover by WoolOvers Group

Unbound the owner of the Hotter said it’s in discussions over the sale of the group for around £6.8m to the WoolOvers Group which recently bought Scotts in a pre-pack deal

Bluestar Alliance acquires bankrupt Scotch & Soda

Scotch & Soda has been acquired by Bluestar Alliance, the American brand management company, for an undisclosed sum, with the new owner believing it can attract new shoppers to the label.

M&S unveils new partnership to help it ‘seamlessly’ reshape

M&S has revised up its medium-term revenue target to £1bn from £400m for revenue from third-party sales

UK retailers turn positive on sales hopes after bleak winter

Confederation of British Industry retailers survey finds first positive sales expectations in seven months, with expected sales forecast for April increasing to +9 from -18 in March.

Klarna rolls out ChatGPT plugin for personalised shopping

Klarna has built a shopping  plugin powered by ChatGPT that enables shoppers to ask for shopping ideas which can be adjusted by with further recommendations, feedback or adding prompts.

Retailers expected to get Easter weekend trading boost

Easter weekend footfall is expected to be up 5.1% and the gap from the pre-pandemic footfall level is forecast to disappear, with a marginal rise of 0.1% over the Easter 2019 footfall

Poor online checkout costs UK retailers £656m a year

Poor online checkout experiences are causing consumers to ditch online purchases, with UK businesses potentially losing up to £656m in missed revenue.

Customer refunds cost small UK fashion businesses £48m

New data from Paymentsense’s annual Serial Refunder Report shows UK fashion businesses have lost an estimated £48m pounds in revenue in customer refunds.

European shoppers more prone to shop health and beauty care online

European shoppers are more likely to shop for health and beauty care items online compared to customers in the Middle East and Africa

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How to improve the customer experience

Machine learning (ML) is well known for improving the bottom line by running major operations more effectively. But did you know that it can also measurably improve the customer experience?

Are your digital platforms wasting your customers’ time?

Brands wanting to get the most from their digital platform need to understand four different types of experiences their tools can yield, ranging from not-smart  to genius.

Why you need to be using MMM

By using marketing mix models (MMMs) businesses can produce dependable measurements - and insight - purely from natural variation in aggregate data that don’t require user-level data

What are the best times to post on social media

When is the best time to post on social media? With a few exceptions, early morning weekdays are your best bet.

How AI can help untangle the briefing process

Briefly is a new AI-powered platform which allows marketers and agencies to create briefs and gain clear, detailed insight at speed.

What are the top skills you need for digital marketing?

Investing in the right marketing talent, tools and processes helps organizations keep up with the competition.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

New UK head for ebay

ebay has promoted its chief marketing officer Eve Williams to the role of vice-president, general manager for its UK business.

Matalan hires former Lidl and Co-op execs as new chair and CEO

Matalan has hired former Lidl CEO Karl-Heinz Holland to become chair, and ex-Co-op food chief Jo Whitfield as CEO, both execs take their posts immediately

In The Style Founder steps down

In The Style's Founder Adam Frisby has stepped down from the board following today's completion of the sale to private equity firm Baaj Capital for just £1.2m.

BRAND NEWS

Paperchase stores to close for good within days

The remaining Paperchase stores are set to close for good within days as it as it enters the final stages of its closing down sale

Eloquii teams up with Gabi Fresh on swimwear collection

Plus-size fashion brand Eloquii is launching an exclusive swimwear collection with influencer Gabi Gregg of Gabi Fresh, offering statement swimsuits and resort wear in sizes US 14-32.

AND FINALLY

Amazon loses bid to throw out case by UK drivers seeking worker rights, article with image

Amazon has lost a bid to throw out three sample lawsuits brought by British delivery drivers seeking employment rights including the minimum wage and holiday pay.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending March 24^th 2023?

1/ Easter

2/ Garden

3/ Coronation

4/ Pink

5/ Sunglasses

6/ Blue

7/ Bathroom

8/ Dress

9/ Candle  

10/ Cushion

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

Aspiga has new summer clothing

Primark has a new Paula Echevarria and NFL Dolphins collaboration, beachwear and accessories, plus an EDIT range

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

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

Regatta has new Orla Kiely collaboration ranges for the beach

Shoe Zone has new kids ranges

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

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

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

Monsoon Cotton Traders Oliver Bonas Radley The Morphbag by JSK Marks & Spencer NoLoGo  Dancing Leopard Crew Clothing Very Bryony Bel  Lipsy Tu Clothing Teva Office

Home, garden and food

Ivyline has a new outdoor furniture, pots, planters, hanging baskets, firepits and mirrors and more  

Wilko has new picnic and outdoor items, plus gifts and home items

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

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

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

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

B&M has new animal gifts

Oliver Bonas has new home ranges

See additional new home images from the last weeks from

Sofology Cult Furniture Fritz Fryer Next 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 – 13

Days until Eid al-Fitr – 25

Days until The Coronation - 40

Days until Halloween – 218

Days until Singles Day - 229

Days until Black Friday – 242

Days until Christmas Day – 273

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 27^th – Apr 2^nd)

English Tourism Week (Mar 17^th – Mar 26^th)

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

National Fragrance Week (Mar 20^th – Mar 26^th)

The Big Walk and Wheel (Mar 20^th – Mar 31^st) Changes

March - Days

31^st – 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

1^st – April Fool’s Day

5^th – Passover Begins

6^th – Maundy Thursday 

7^th – World Health Day  

7^th – National Beer Day (US)

7^th – Good Friday 

9^th – Easter Sunday 

10^th – Easter Monday

13^th – Passover Ends 

14th – Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year) 

14^th-16^th – Coachella Weekend One

15^th – Grand National

21^st - National Tea Day

21^st – End of Ramadan

22^nd – Earth Day

21^st- 23^rd – Coachella Weekend Two 

23rd – St George’s Day

23^rd - National Asparagus Day

23^rd – Shakespeare Day

24^th - National Skipping Day

24^th – Fashion Revolution Day

25^th – World Malaria Day

25^th – National Lingerie Day

26^th – Stop Food Waste Day

29^th - 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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