Main Image: Marks & Spencer

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Boots, Zara, ProCook, Thomas Pink, Zalando, Rent the Runway, Puma, N Brown, AllSaints and Skims. Plus, why pricing will need to be prioritised in 2025, why UK retailers are expanding across the Atlantic again and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Boots owner Walgreens explores $10bn sale to US private equity giant

Boots’ US owner Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), is said to be in discussions with American private equity giant Sycamore Partners on a potential £7.8bn takeover in a deal.

Zara owner Inditex boosts sales with strong autumn collections

Zara owner Inditex sales grew 7.1% to €27.4bn for the first nine months of 2024, and gross profit grew 7.2% to €16.3bn, with growth driven by strong demand for its autumn winter collections.

ProCook posts revenue growth despite subdued market

ProCook revenues grew 7.5% to £28.3m in the half to 13 Oct, and reported a half year loss of £3.2m, the same as a year earlier.

Thomas Pink gets new owners and plans on reopening stores

Shirtmaker Thomas Pink has been bought from LVMH by New York-based distributors CP Brands Group and Icon Luxury Group and plans to re-open stores in the UK and around the World.

G-III sales return to growth

DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, Donna Karan parent business G-III Apparel increased sales 1.8% to $1.09bn in Q3, but its net income fell 10.1% to $114.8m.

Zalando to take over About You to create B2C and B2B mega-giant

German e-tail giant Zalando is to takeover About You with plans for the combined brand to become the ”most relevant fashion e-commerce company” .

Rent the Runway Q3 revenue up 4.7%, losses narrow

Rent the Runway sales grew 4.7% in Q3 to $75.9m and it reduced its net loss to $18.9m, down from $31.5m in Q3 in 2023.

Grocery sales forecast to exceed £13bn over Christmas for first time ever

Grocery sales are expected to exceed £13bn over the four weeks of Dec for the first time ever, according to the latest Kantar grocery market share data.

40% of shoppers convinced deals on Black Friday aren’t real

Despite more shoppers reporting that they would be looking for bargains on the weekend than not, 40% of UK shoppers don’t believe that Black Friday discounts of 50% or more are actually real.

23m shoppers planning to gift pre-loved items

New research has found 42% of UK adults are planning to give at least one second-hand gift this Christmas, up two percentage points on last year,

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Why pricing will need to be prioritised in 2025

One of the most critical areas for innovation and how businesses can gain a competitive edge is pricing strategy.

Why UK retailers are once again expanding across the Atlantic

Entering the US market has never worked well for UK retailers. However, with a number of brands heading stateside this year, is the American dream back on for UK retail?

5 marketing trends set to redefine fashion and beauty brands in 2025

Retail is not just about delivering great products anymore, it’s about building relationships that feel real to the customers.

The big trends set to transform retail in 2025 and beyond

Media agency Westfield Rise has released a new report outlining the key trends set to transform retail in 2025 and beyond. Here's what you need to know.

Puma and Manchester City launch AI football kit design platform

Puma has teamed up with Manchester City football team to launch an innovative AI kit design platform, giving fans the chance to design the club’s official Third kit for the 2026/27 season.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

N Brown directors exit as retailer combines roles

N Brown Group's merchandising director Matt Dawson and sourcing director Angela Gaskell are leaving the company as their roles are combined with buying director.

BRAND NEWS

AllSaints has launched its new perfume range in Boots stores

Fashion retailer AllSaints is extending its partnership with Boots by launching its new perfume range in a number of the health and beauty retailer’s stores across the UK.

Skims eyes former Ted Baker flagship on Regent Street

Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims is among the businesses eyeing up the former Ted Baker flagship store on London's Regent Street.

John Lewis and Waitrose open Caffè Nero in-store cafes

John Lewis is expanding its collaboration with Caffè Nero with the launch of five cafés in Waitrose locations in Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath, and Stroud with more on the way.

Charles Tyrwhitt expands to 50 stores

Charles Tyrwhitt has opened its 50th store at Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion.

Urban Revivo to open debut UK store

Fashion brand Urban Revivo is set to open its first flagship store in London after signing a five-year lease with landlord HIH Invest Neal Street Limited.

AND FINALLY

Paul Mescal to sell his Gladiator II wardrobe on Vinted

Paul Mescal is selling his wardrobe from the Gladiator II promo tour on Vinted. The pieces will be available to buy from 16 Dec 2024.

THE CHRISTMAS ADVERTS

PRShots Retail Christmas Adverts 2024

All the Christmas Adverts so far - all 39 of them - in one place include Moonpig, Sports Direct, JD Sports, Burberry, John Lewis and many many more!

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending December 6^th 2024?

1/ Christmas

2/ SS25

3/ AW24

4/ Leopard

5/ Bedroom

6/ Living Room

7/ Bag

8/ Jumper

9/ Earrings  

10/ Heels

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Ernest Jones the jewellers came from modest beginnings, launched in 1949 it has grown from a single store in London's Oxford Street to a national chain of 100+ jewellery stores.

H Samuel is a jeweller with a long history. Started in 1862 the brand continues to this day with a mix of jewellery and watches, that are affordable and feature trend-led styles.

Curlsmith was launched in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength. It was born out of a community of people with textured hair sharing their haircare tips, home remedies and frustrations with products on the market not made specifically for their needs and has grown into a product range sold worldwide.

Frangipani was established in 2010 and produces men’s shirts and accessories crafted from high-quality materials and featuring bold prints or subtle contrasts. With each shirt embodying a perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

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.

Saywood was created in 2020 by Harriet Saywood-Bellisario, who graduated from the London College of Fashion before working at Paul Smith, Richard Nicoll and Label/Mix. The brand specialises in beautiful edits of wardrobe essentials and classics contemporised with unexpected details made to be worn and re-worn.

Jellycat is the brand of the moment and has been around for a quarter of a century. Over this time, their unmistakable characters have gained the affection of millions across 77 countries.

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.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Primark has new kids ranges, athleisure wear and Premier Division football outfits, a new Rita Ora occasion wear collaboration of clothing, a new accessory and ski range plus new shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories, and new tie-ups with Wicked and The Grinch.

Lola Starr has new sustainable activewear for the January and February Christmas bounce back.

Peacocks has new Christmas jumpers and fashion, Caprice and Grinch Christmas pyjama collections, new womenswear, a new Louise Redknapp AW and Christmas Edit.

Sainsbury’s Beauty has new BeautyPro, Dr Pawpaw, Isle of Paradise and Sundae wellness ranges and beauty treatments. 

Roman Originals has more AW24 imagery, new Petite, Curve and Dusk campaign ranges of womenswear for cosy evenings and big events, new nightwear ranges with pyjamas and cosy dressing gowns.

Very has a new Michelle Keegan collaboration, plus new V by very ranges of partywear and footwear including metallics, sequins and faux fur, Grinch-themed pyjamas for all the family, and stocking filler accessories.

Matalan has new athleisure wear,  a new transitional style edit, menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright, new last-minute Christmas gifts, transitional ranges, Valentine pyjamas, a new Disney and Lilo and Stitch Stitchmas collaboration, a menopause lingerie range.

Dune London has new shoes, bags and accessories for early 2025.

Fable England has new Christmas accessories and core jewellery ranges.

M&S has new thermal shaping bodies, wellness products for January, menswear and womenswear from its Christmas adverts, a Bella Freud bag collaboration, the Christmas beauty advent calendar, party outfits for all the family, Christmas clothing, accessories and lingerie sets.

Bonmarché has new Christmas outfits, jumpers and partywear, lingerie ranges, new jewellery plus accessory ranges.

National Trust has new clothing and accessories including socks, hats, jewellery, scarves, bags and sunglasses for SS25.

Barbour has new ranges of clothing and accessories for SS25 for men and women and new range of gift accessories for Christmas.

John Lewis has new Dream Dress Edit featuring Whistles, Sister Jane, Reiss, Phase Eight and more  clothing ranges for women, plus clothing and accessory gift ideas for all ages for Christmas.

River Island has new spring lookbook images a Christmas Gift Guide and Christmas jumpers, plus new Premium and Winter Reds collections, along with party outfits and accessories for the Christmas season for men, women and children.

Oliver Bonas has new February uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for the New Year and SS25.

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

Cotton Traders has new SS25 outfits, Christmas jumpers, cosy womenswear and menswear for AW24 including jumpers, cardigans and coats.

TK Maxx has SS25 clothing, accessory and makeup ranges including crochet outfits, Christmas gift-guides for men, women, kids and pets, plus new menswear and womenswear ranges including coats, jackets and hoodies.

Monsoon has new designer ranges, plus clothes, shoes, boots, bags and accessories for Christmas, new edits for women and kids, bags, shoes, jewellery and accessories.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

George at Asda Fatface Celtic &Co Scamp & Dude Peachaus Accessorize London Grace Deichmann

Home, garden and food

Quorn Stone has new Alnwick Ivory and Provenca Crema marble and tiles for the kitchen, natural stone and tumbled herringbone cobbles outdoor ranges, marble ranges for the bathroom and kitchen and Limestone cobbles for outside.

Habitat has new SS25 home ware and furniture, plus new furniture for setting up your own home office.  

Matalan has SS25 homeware images for the dining room, bedroom, bathroom and garden, plus Christmas gifts and decorations, a new Connie the Cockapoo range, AW24 soft furnishings and gifts, a new AW Cosy Shop range of bedding and soft furnishings, Christmas bedding ranges and presents for pets.

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.

M&S has new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25, gifts for pets, a new Nordic notes Christmas decoration ranges, National Gallery collaboration, stocking filler Christmas images and new Fearne Cotton Happy Place range.

George Home has new Dark Garden SS25 interiors ranges, a new Christmas decorations for the tree, tableware, soft furnishings and trees, Stacey Solomon Christmas and Autumn collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

National Trust has new garden furniture ranges for SS25,  gifts for the home and the garden for SS25, plus decorations for Easter.

Homesense has new Christmas gift ideas for family and pets as well as new Christmas decorations.

Online Home Shop has new side tables and chest of drawers, rugs, bedding, foot warmers, hot water bottles, heated pads, body wraps, plus bar stools, mirrors, cuddle cushions, shaped pillows and bolsters.

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

John Lewis has new home gift ideas for Christmas.

Sofology has new SS25 Serene, Premiere and Westwood ranges of sofas, chairs and recliners.

Fritz Fryer has new antique lighting ranges, kitchen lighting ranges, as well as lamps and lights for every room in the home.

TK Maxx has a new 1960s-inspired summer range of kitchenware and furniture for the office, plus new gifting ranges, a wellness range for the New Year, Christmas gift-guides for the home.

Designers Guild has new Studio Stripes patterns for SS25.

Jan Constantine has new cushions for SS25 and Valentine’s day.

Ivyline has new planters, pots for its indoor living ranges.

See additional new home images from

Cult Furniture Fatface Primark Treats by Mars Cutter & Squidge Hobbycraft The Gluttonous Gardener Arran Sense of Scotland Monsoon  

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Christmas – 14

Days until Valentine’s Day – 65

Days until Mother’s Day - 109

Days until Easter - 130
 

How to get your brand in the media in December

Christmas is nearly over by now for the media; there are just a few dailies, weeklies, websites and influencers doing last-minute gift guides for Christmas but for most print media it’s the New Year, and what’s happening in 2025.  

You should be uploading SS25 outfits and home goods for those “A new you for 2025” and “Redecorate for 2025” issues, so athleisure, outdoor healthy sporty images will all be useful, plus anything for the home. 

As always don’t forget to add keywords – New Year, Gifts, Spring, Christmas, Xmas, Holidays, Winter plus all those words beloved of home magazines like cosy, cosiness, hygge, wellbeing.

Clothing wise the media are still looking for going out outfits for Christmas and New Year, so party wear, party dresses, nightwear and also winter clothing like jumpers, scarves, bobble hats, beanies, cardigans, coatigans, jackets, coats are still being looked for. So, make sure that you have plenty of images in those categories uploaded and labelled with as many of those words as you can.

You can also start to look at holiday clothing and outfits for when the weather gets a little warmer so make sure SS25 is flagged on your drops even if they’re not yet available until 2025 – If they’re not on sale until Jan or Feb then use the On Sale date field to flag this up. You can either add a specific date, 2/2/25 or if you’re not sure then you can use the text “available first week in Feb.”  

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.

December Diary - Weeks/Months

December is all about Christmas and New Year events, but it’s also AIDS Awareness Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Decembeard, and No Gender December.

Additionally, there’s Kwanzaa (26th - 1st Jan).

December Diary - Days

12^th – Christmas Jumper Day (See https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day)

18^th – Stilton Day

19^th – National Regifting Day 

21^st – Winter Solstice 

21^st – Super Saturday/Panic Saturday

25^th – Christmas Day

25^th – Hanukkah begins

26^th – Boxing Day

31^st – New Year’s Eve

NB - All dates have been checked, but some events may change due to unforeseen circumstances or have not been fully confirmed for 2024 by the authorities controlling the event(s).