Main Image:  Joe Browns

PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from John Lewis, Sweaty Betty, Allbirds, ThredUp, Under Armour, Lush, Schuh, Mango, JD Sports, and Joseph. Plus articles on how to update your SEO for AI, how to use social proof to increase sales and engagement, how to master G4A and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

60% of shoppers are cutting back on discretionary purchases

Barclays’ card spending data shows 60% of card users are cutting back on discretionary purchases to cope with rising household bills, including cutting down on new clothes and accessories.

UK online spending sees first year on year increase since January 2022

Adobe’s UK Digital Economy Index data for June and July shows a combined online spend of £18.6bn up 1.2% on 2022 and the first year-on-year increase since January 2022.

Russell Hobbs, George Foreman and Remington owner sees sales and profits growth

Spectrum Brands which owns Russell Hobbs, Remington and Black & Decker saw turnover grow to £240.7m for the year to Oct 2022, up from £190.9m, and pre-tax profits grew from £3.8m to £33m.

Fashion brand Joseph returns to profit

Joseph sales were up by 30% year-on-year to £47.1m with an operating profit of £0.4m for the year to 30 Nov 2022 compared to a loss of £8.9 million in the prior year and the first profit since 2015.

Allbirds’ revenues take a dip

Footwear brand Allbirds Q2 results ending June 30 2023, which saw revenues fall to $70.5m (£55.18), attributing the dip to a fall in average selling prices, driven by promotions.

ThredUp posts increase in Q2 revenue

US second-hand fashion platform ThredUp saw a 8% revenue increase to $82.7m in Q2 ended June 30 and reduced its net loss to $18.8m from $28.4m in 2022.

L’Occitane owner in advanced talks to take it private

L'Occitane controlling shareholder billionaire Chairman Reinold Geiger is in advanced talks on a potential deal to take the skincare company private ahead of a possible European listing.

JD Sports acquires remaining 40% stake in Polish brand MIG

JD Sports Fashion has acquired the remaining 40% stake in Polish brand Marketing Investment Group (MIG) from its minority shareholders and now is the sole owner of MIG.

Amazon sellers fear future as retailer increases payment time

Amazon Marketplace businesses have been told Amazon will no longer immediately credit their accounts once an online sale but will only receive it a week after the product had been delivered.

Under Armour Q1 revenues drop

Q1 revenue at Under Armour was down 2% to $1.3bn with an operating income of $21m, but despite the revenue fall they’re still “maintaining” their FY operating income outlook of $310-330m.

Gordon Brothers weighs rescue bid for ailing retailer Wilko

Gordon Brothers, the specialist retail investor which owns Laura Ashley, is considering a bid to rescue Wilko which is teetering on the brink of administration with up to 12,000 jobs at risk.

Sky-high rents and rates are driving retailers away from Oxford Street

Frasers Michael Murray warns retailers are avoiding the West End and Oxford Street due to high rents and rates and Watches of Switzerland Brian Duffy calls it “a bit of a national embarrassment”.

TikTok Shop launches same-day fulfilment in the UK

TikTok Shop has launched Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) that will offer same-day fulfilment to merchants selling on the social media channel.

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How to get your old reports out of GA4

GA4 is here. It’s weird. And you’re gonna have to get used to it. Use this guide to finally figure out where to find the reports you need (and how to make sense of them).

How to update your SEO strategy for AI

Your SEO strategy is ready for an update. Almost two dozen experts share the AI, social, and general search implications to consider in the next revision.

How to use social proof to fuel engagement and sales

Social proof is behind most decisions you make, whether you know it or not. Here’s how to use social proof to your marketing advantage.

How to improve your CRM and email effectiveness with Chat GPT

ChatGPT-powered email marketing can lead to conversion lifts, long-term engagement and a bigger base of loyal customers.

John Lewis signs deal with Google to boost AI efforts

The John Lewis Partnership has signed a £100m agreement with Google to help with its plans to cut data storage costs and boost its artificial intelligence efforts.

Sweaty Betty has used AI to boost online shopping by 62%

Sweaty Betty has seen a 62% online revenue uplift in the last six months by using an artificial intelligence (AI) solution to make better product recommendations and to target customers.

Shoppers make seven big impulse buys per year

On average shoppers make seven big impulse purchases per year, but of those purchases nearly £184 per year is on items they later regret purchasing.

BRAND NEWS

Lush and Mattel collab on limited-edition Barbie collection

In a collaboration that embodies empowerment, self-care, and unapologetic individuality, Lush Cosmetics and Mattel are proud to introduce the limited-edition Barbie x Lush Collection.

Schuh launches rental collection with Hirestreet

Schuh has announced a new partnership with rental marketplace Hirestreet following a “record summer for occasion wear rental” with a 300% increase in site traffic.

MycoWorks to open commercial-scale Fine Mycelium plant

MycoWorks is opening the world’s-first commercial-scale Fine Mycelium production plant next month, the 136,000 sqft facility will produce millions of yards of its leather alternative Reishi a year.

Rental platforms My Wardrobe HQ and Rotaro consolidate stock

Upmarket clothes rental and purchase platform My Wardrobe HQ has added rental platform Rotaro’s range of new designers to their line-up.

Alibaba expands into Europe with CommerceHub partnership

CommerceHub, one of the world’s largest commerce networks, is partnering with Miravia, part of the Alibaba group, to power the marketplaces’ European expansion.

Mango launches flagship store in Milton Keynes

Spanish fashion retailer Mango has expanded its UK presence with the launch of a new 4,693 sq ft flagship store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes.

AND FINALLY

Why UK fashion stylists have formed a union

A group of stylists in the UK has formed a union the Celebrity Stylist Union – as a branch of Bectu - with the aim of improving pay and working conditions in the industry.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending August 4^th 2023?

1/ AW23

2/ Christmas

3/ Bikini

4/ Beach

5/ Swimwear

6/ Halloween

7/ Candle

8/ Red

9/ Bedroom  

10/ Bathroom

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.

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

Roman Originals has new autumn clothes ranges.

Joe Browns has new AW23 Autumn Elegance womens footwear and clothing including cardigans, coats, dresses, blouses, trousers and more.

Bonmarché  has new womenswear ranges for AW23.

Dune London has new shoes and bags for going out, and new ankle and cowboy boots, sandals, trainers, shoes and luggage.

Primark has a new AW23 clothes for men with the KEM range, women and kids, plus shoes and bags, as well as makeup, new Click and Collect Exclusives, Flexi Formal range plus the Edit AW23 range, monogram bag ranges, back-to-school ranges.

Oliver Bonas has new clothing and jewellery drops for November, as well as jewellery boxes, accessories, footwear and jewellery ranges.

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

Radley has new bag and shoe ranges for releases in August/September/October AW23 and a 25^th anniversary special.

PrettyLittleThing has a new La La Anthony edit.

Dune London Mens has new AW boots and shoe collections.

Shoe Zone has new boots and shoes for the autumn and winter.

Accessorize has new jewellery ranges.

Peacocks has new back to school 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.

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

Regatta has new kids AW23 and back to school jackets - including the Beamz insulated jacket – bags, torches and new womenswear winter ranges.

Very  has new V by Very and Fig & Basil womenswear ranges for going out, staying in and for the beach plus womenswear from the Everyday range.

New Look has further July drops of womenswear, footwear, bags and jewellery.

Barbour has new dresses, coats, bags, gloves and scarves plus gift ranges for Christmas and new menswear, and womenswear for AW23, and bags, scarves and back-to-school ranges.

Cardfactory has back to school backpacks

Deichmann UK has new winter shoes and boots as well as evening wear and a Barbie collaboration of shoes and bags.

George at Asda has new George clothing, bags, boots and accessories.

Scamp & Dude has new bags, dresses and headbands.

National Trust shop has new jewellery and fashion ranges for Christmas plus summer outdoor gifts plus autumn and winter accessories.

TK Maxx has new mens, womens and kids clothing and back to school ranges for AW23

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

Tu Clothing Curvy Kate From my mother’s garden Fatface Aspiga Cotton Traders River Island Lipsy Teva Daisy Park

Home, garden and food

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, and collaborations with Star Wars, the Natural History Museum and Christmas decorations.

Cuckooland  has an 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.

TK Maxx has new Christmas gift and AW23 home ranges.

B&M has new ranges for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom plus autumn, Halloween and Christmas decorations and homeware.

Biscuiteers Baking has a Natural History museum collaboration, and new goodies for Christmas from gifts to edible decorations.

Homesense has new AW23 homeware for the bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom and Halloween decorations as well as gifting ranges.

Cartwright & Butler has new Christmas hamper ranges.

Hotel Chocolat has new summer gifting chocolate collections including vegan collections and liqueurs.

Cambridge Imprint  has new envelope and paper ranges.

Cult Furniture has new Urban Loft home ranges and dining and office chairs, cushions, and new furniture and lamps.

Next has new homeware and Christmas gifts and decorations and new Natural Rustic furniture ranges plus new bedding and homeware ranges and Halloween homeware.

Cutter & Squidge has Christmas hamper and Christmas food ranges.

Dobbies Garden Centres has new Christmas wreaths, and Christmas gifts and decorations, plus house plant and outdoor living collections.

Primark Home has click and collect exclusives, new AW23 home ranges for kids and adults bedrooms, as well as the kitchen and dining room.

The Range has new Halloween decorations and gift collections.

Very has Christmas decorations.

National Trust shop has new Christmas gifts, decorations and cards plus National Trust Vango camping ranges and things for the garden and home.

Matalan has new decorations for Christmas as well as accessories for the lounge and dining room.

George Home has new things for the home for the lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

See additional new home images from the last weeks from

Marks & Spencer Sofology Wilko Tweedmill Ivyline Imp & Maker Furniture Village  Daisy Park 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 – 83

Days until Singles Day – 94

Days until Black Friday – 107

Days until Christmas Day – 138

Days until Valentine’s Day - 189

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 25-27^th August. 

The 24^th marks 3 months until the Black Friday/Cyber Monday (24-27^th Nov) weekend so start preparing for those sales now.

Weeks to celebrate this month include; World Breastfeeding week (1-7^th August) the Edinburgh Festival (5-28^th August)

August - Days

9^th – Book Lovers Day

10^th - National Shapewear Day

11^th – National Bakewell Tart Day

12^th – International Youth Day

12^th – National Vinyl Records Day

13^th – International Lefthanders Day

13^th – National Prosecco Day

15^th – VJ (Victory over Japan) Day

16^th – National Rum Day

17^th – UK Cupcake Day

18^th – National Grooming Day

20^th – World Honey Bee Day

21^st – World Senior Citizens Day

23^rd - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 

24^th – 3 Months until Black Friday

24^th – National Burger Day

25^th – National Second-hand Wardrobe Day

25^th – Christmas in August (4 months until Christmas Day)

26-28^th – Notting Hill Carnival

26^th - Women's Equality Day

28^th – August Bank Holiday

28^th – National Red Wine Day

30^th - Raksha Bandhan

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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