Main Image: Lipsy

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from WHSmith, Lidl, Paul Smith, Celtic&Co, Cambridge Satchel, Kate Spade, Osprey London, Lidl and M&S. Plus, four ways generative AI will revolutionise marketing in 2025, how to market on Threads and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Half of WHSmith high street stores could close if it takes on a new owner, warn experts

At least half of WHSmith’s high street stores could close under any new owner, industry experts have said.

Lidl invests in market-leading pay rises for 28,000 UK workers

Lidl has announced a market-leading pay increase for 28,000 of its hourly-paid colleagues, with the new rates coming into effect in March 2025.

M&S CEO warns against mountain of costs facing retailers

M&S CEO Stuart Machin has warned against the mountain of costs facing UK retailers following the Budget, despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushing for growth.

Retailers are considering setting up US subsidiaries to counter Trump tariffs

British retailers are exploring ways to fight President Trump’s tariffs, including ceasing exports or looking at setting up US subsidiaries.

Online spending grew in January as customers took advantage of deals

Online spending grew in January as retailers continued to keep prices low, according to data from Adobe Analytics.

Shein to cut £50bn London IPO valuation

Shein is looking to cut its £50bn valuation to around £40bn ahead of its London Stock Exchange IPO amid growing headwinds and changes to import tariffs in the US.

BRC footfall report delivers more good news

BRC footfall figures for the five weeks to 1 Feb show total UK footfall rising year on year by 6.6%. Up from a 2.2% fall in December.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Four ways generative AI will revolutionise marketing in 2025

Some of the UK’s top marketers discuss how AI is set to play an increasingly vital role in the industry throughout 2025 and beyond.

How to market on Threads

Threads is proving to be a serious Twitter/X alternative with the latest data from Buffer finding Threads outpaces X in user engagement.

How AI can help to unlock growth through efficiency and effectiveness

'What can AI do to positively impact your business? Hannes Ben, of Locaria, unpacks AAEE – AI and automation for efficiency and effectiveness.

Eight digital and marketing trends for 2025

From pragmatism to personality, Econsultancy looks at some attributes (and trends therein) that might define marketing and digital in 2025.

Essential Google ads settings for 2025

Practical Ecommerce reveals five campaign settings that can make or break performance and often require overriding Google's suggestions.

How to create Facebook Reels that attract an audience in 2025

Facebook Reels are designed to help users discover new content and creators. Hootsuite shows you how to use Reels to maximise your reach on the platform.

Protection remains number one packaging priority but consumers also want sustainability

ConsumerX research highlights that once again consumers rate protection as their ecommerce packaging top priority. Some 95% say that it is important or very important.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Paul Smith has named an ex Fortnum & Mason boss as new non-exec

British fashion and lifestyle retailer Paul Smith has named a former Fortnum & Mason chief executive as a non-executive director.

BRAND NEWS

Celtic & Co. to launch with Nordstrom and Macy’s

Celtic & Co. has been selected by US major high-street retailers Macy’s and Nordstrom to launch its SS25 collection.

Cambridge Satchel continues UK retail expansion with new Windsor store

Cambridge Satchel, which was acquired by French textile giant Chargeurs in 2022, has opened its fourth UK store at 51 Windsor Royal in Berkshire.

Kate Spade gets ready to open first London outlet store this spring with O2 debut

​Kate Spade New York will open a 2,408 sq ft store at Outlet Shopping at The O2, Greenwich this spring.

Osprey London adds new digital store, as it preps for international growth

Osprey London, has launched a new digital flagship, which comes as part of a wider brand relaunch in support of its planned international expansion into the US and Asia this year.

Lidl to open nine new stores in the space of a month

Lidl GB is to open nine stores in the space of a month following a record-breaking Christmas for the supermarket.

AND FINALLY x2

Amazon cuts reference to diversity from annual report

Amazon removed a reference to "inclusion and diversity" in its annual report, after it told employees in a December memo that it was winding down its programs.

IKEA receives over 3,700 applications in six days for jobs at new Oxford Street store

IKEA has received 3,730 applications in just six days for its new store in London’s Oxford Street which is due to open this spring.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending February 7^th 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Valentine

3/ Leopard

4/ Garden

5/ Jacket

6/ Cushion

7/ Easter

8/ Bag

9/ Vase  

10/ Diffuser

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 24 hours, week, or month.

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Joma Jewellery was established in the UK in 2007 by Katie and Geoff who were travelling through Asia looking for inspiration and chanced on a jewellery market in China that created unique, eye -catching designs. In 2015 Joma expanded to open in Europe and now has sites in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Norway and opened its first UK store in 2019.

Katie Loxton    Katie Loxton is the go-to online destination for beautifully personalised handbags, accessories, and gifts for all occasions including Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. All their Designed in the UK all their products are designed in the UK with their bags all made from vegan leather.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Matalan has new costume ranges for kids, women and men for the spring, clothing for the family for Eid, Spring womenswear, NFL clothing ranges, Valentine pyjamas, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit, a menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright.

Primark has new denim ranges, kids pyjamas ranges, a Kem collaboration, a new Pau Eche (Paula Echevarría) collaboration, Edit ranges, loungewear, Snaffle ranges of shoes and bags, NFL clothing ranges, Hello Kitty kids clothing and accessories, swimwear for the beach, a new Youth range, new bags, lingerie and nightwear for Valentines.

London Grace has new nail polish ranges.

Roman Originals has new SS25 womenswear imagery and new Petite imagery.

M&S has new baby clothing ranges, Autograph accessory ranges, womenswear clothes and accessories, US football-related kids sportswear, SS25 clothing, plus Valentine’s Day lingerie, a Goodmove collection of outdoor sports and athleisure wear modelled by Olympian Alex Scott.

George at Asda has a new bridal collection, Style Stories by Erica Davies and G21 Maisie Smith collection ranges, new Gym Locker activewear ranges, plus lingerie and nightwear ranges for Valentine’s Day.

Crew Clothing has new menswear and womenswear ranges of clothes and accessories for the spring and summer.

Monsoon has new February campaigns for women and kids, new wedding outfit shoes and dresses and SS25 womenswear ranges including holiday and beachwear.

River Island has new Editor Approved Tailoring, a new Check Mate range, new women’s denim clothing and accessories ranges in blue, black and white, lingerie for Valentine’s Day, plus Black, Brown, Blue Stripe and Butter Yellow-themed ranges.

Peacocks has a new menswear range, plus new womenswear SS25 clothing ranges including skirts, jumpers, a Louise Redknapp SS25 range, a new Caprice SS25 lingerie range just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Lipsy has new Love & Roses bridal ranges for SS25.

Very has new V by Very and V by Very Curve ranges of dresses, jumpers, jackets, coats jumpsuits, swimwear, jeans, trousers and shoes, a new Michelle Keegan collaboration and new athleisure wear.

Frangipani has new menswear and jewellery.

Barbour has new collaborations with Erdem and To Ki To, plus Chapter One collections, new clothing ranges, plus accessories for your pets and new ranges of clothing, boots and accessories for SS25 for men and women.

Dune London has new clutch bags, handbags and belts, bridal shoe ranges for casual to posh weddings, and new shoes, bags and accessories for early 2025.

Celtic &Co has new clothing, sandals, shoes, scarves, and accessories for SS25.

Scamp & Dude has a new collaboration with Sabrina Elba for SS25, plus new leopard print dresses.

Bonmarché has new spring womenswear, including outdoor clothing ranges and swimsuits, Valentines outfits, new Dash SS25 clothing ranges, jumpers and partywear and lingerie ranges.

Tu Clothing has new SS25 womenswear ranges of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Oliver Bonas has new Mother’s Day gifting, Valentine’s Day ranges, February, March and April 2025 uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for SS25.

Curvy Kate has new Swerve, Suspend, Suspense, Serpent, Opulence, Indulgence, Eos, Entwined, Zen, Victory, Wild One, Strawberry Crush, Ornate and more ranges of lingerie. Plus new ranges of swimwear for SS25.

Regatta has new rucksacks and tote bags, jackets and fleeces for the outdoors and ranges of trainers, walking boots, wellies and sandals, plus kids swimming costumes and wetsuits.

TK Maxx has new Valentine’s themed clothing and jewellery, plus new clothing, shoes, boots, jewellery, makeup and accessories for SS25.

Deichmann has new shoes for SS25

Fable England has new SS25 Running Bunny and Wonderland ranges of bags and scarves, plus new accessories and core jewellery ranges.

New Look has new SS25 clothing arriving in February and more new winter outfits, winter and occasion wear outfits for women, plus ranges of womenswear including coats, jumpers, skirts and tops.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Fatface F&F Sims Wear Saywood Dune London Mens Joe Browns John Lewis Lola Starr

Home, garden and food

Cambridge Imprint has new stamps, Easter and Valentine’s block sets, ribbons, albums, tea towels, exercise books, notebooks, sketchbook, memo books, 3D card ranges, plus storage solutions including boxes, files, trays and gift card designs for SS25.

B&M has new Mother’s Day gifts, seasonal candle, diffuser, cushions and throws for SS25, new Washed Ashore and Coastal furniture ranges, plus kitchen and tableware ranges, treats and gifts for Valentine’s Day, new Palm House and Coastal Paradise garden and picnic ranges, Rustic Charm homeware ranges for SS25.

Home Bargains has Valentine’s gifts, new Easter decorations, suitcase ranges, things for garden entertaining, new home exercise accessories, Mediterranean and Travellers Bazaar ranges, homeware from SS25 for the bedroom, bathroom and living rooms.

Matalan has new Mother’s Day gifts, Easter decorations and home ranges, Valentine’s gifts, SS25 homeware images for the dining room, bedroom, bathroom and garden, new Connie the Cockapoo range.

George Home has new Stacey Solomon collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware. New Easter ranges of table wear, new home gifts and furniture, and Lucky Charm range and Dark Garden SS25 interiors ranges.

Fritz Fryer has new kitchen lighting, plus new lantern and pendant lighting ranges.

Ivyline has new garden furniture, firepits, trellising, plant pots, planters, citronella candles, fountains and storage for the garden.

Online Home Shop has new curtains, cushions, duvet covers and throws, plus storage solutions, side tables and chest of drawers, rugs and bedding.

M&S has new wash bags beauty and wellness ranges, Ultimate bedding sets, makeup ranges, SS25 Boho, Classic and Exquisite Earth furniture and homeware ranges, new gifts – including a Valentine Percy Pig - and decorations for Valentine’s Day, new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25.

Treats by Mars has new Galaxy Pink Hot Chocolate ranges, plus more Snickers and Galaxy ranges. 

Hotel Chocolat has new Velvetiser ranges, alcoholic drinks and chocolates for Valentine’s Day and other events.

Primark has new Easter gifts plus soft furnishings, furniture and homeware for SS25.

Dunelm has new colour drench ranges, a new Sophie Robinson collaboration and its SS25 range of bedroom and living room furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware.

Dobbies Garden Centres has a Get Set for Spring Ranges, new Heritage range of outdoor gardening items including throws and firepits, plus indoor plants and soft furnishings, Valentine’s presents, outdoor furniture, barbecues, accessories, kids' swimming pools and pots for SS25, Mother’s Day 2025 gifts.

Designers Guild has a new SS25 Swaledale, Mayenne and Studio range of fabrics, plus washbags.

Quorn Stone has new Orwell Natural Porcelain Stone, and Chastleton Ivory Stone and Natural Tiles, plus Alnwick Ivory and Provenca Crema marble and tiles for the kitchen, natural stone and tumbled herringbone cobbles outdoor ranges.

Jellycat has new cuddliest soft toys and bags for SS25.

Cutter & Squidge has new hampers and food and drink for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s day.

Oliver Bonas has new furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for SS25.

Regatta has camping accessories including tents, rugs, mugs, water bottles, cooking and picnic sets.

TK Maxx has new gifts for Valentine’s Day, homeware, and a new 1960s-inspired summer range of kitchenware and furniture for the office, plus new gifting ranges, a wellness range for the New Year.

John Lewis has new Modern and Classic homeware collections of furniture, soft furnishings and accessories for SS25.

The Gluttonous Gardener has new flower ranges for the spring and summer.

Hobbycraft has Valentine’s Day and Easter decoration and food ideas. 

Jan Constantine has more Valentine’s Day-appropriate cushions.

Nest has some new ranges for the outdoors.

See additional new home images from

Cult Furniture Homesense National Trust Habitat Sofology Fatface

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Valentine’s Day – 4

Days until Mother’s Day - 48

Days until Easter – 69

Days until Christmas Day - 318
 

How to get your brand in the media in February

Aside from continuing to keep an eye on those SS25 drops, the first half of the month is about preparing for Valentine’s Day issues, and the second half is about getting ready for Easter (it’s late this year (20th April) so you have plenty of time to prepare).

For Valentine’s Day, make sure everything has some of the keywords the media will be looking for, eg gifts, pink, red, lingerie, etc. For Easter, make sure everything has some of the keywords the media will be looking for, eg eggs, chocolate, easter bunny, easter egg, chick, etc.

As we’re coming out of winter, it’s time to start putting up images for the spring and summer. So anything related to getting out of the house is good, so get uploading images and adding keywords relating to summer outfits, swimwear, the garden, garden parties and Barbecues (don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que, 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.

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

February Diary - Weeks/Months

In the UK, it’s LGBT+ History Month and National Wedding Month and Go Red for Heart Month; in the US, this is Black History Month and National Bird Feeding Month. It’s a great month for food, we have Pancake Day, National Pizza Day and Bread Week (15^th-23^rd Feb)

Other events include;

New York Fashion Week (6^th-11^th)

National Apprenticeship Week (10^th - 16^th)

London Fashion Week (20^th – 24^th)

February – Days

11^th – Flowers searches peak for Valentine’s Day

12^th – Tu B’Shevat 

14^th – Valentine’s Day

15^th – Singles Awareness Day

16^th – BAFTA Film Awards

17^th - Random Acts of Kindness Day (US)

20^th – National Love Your Pet Day

26^th – Maha Shivaratri 

18^th – National Drink Wine Day (UK)

22^nd – New car searches rise

23^rd – UK Holiday searches peak

28^th – Start of Ramadan 

NB - All dates have been checked, but some events may change due to unforeseen circumstances or have not been fully confirmed for 2025 by the authorities controlling the event(s).