Main Image: George at Asda

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Shein, Asda, Just Eat, The Original Factory Shop, New Look, The Perfume Shop, Quiz, Esprit, DFS, B&M, Primark, Curvy Kate, John Smedley, John Lewis and M&S. Plus, how to improve conversions on paid social ads, your guide to marketing on LinkedIn and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Shein profits sink ahead of London IPO

Shein’s sales are understood to have grown 19% to £30bn but profits fell by almost 40% to £789m in 2024 following a difficult final quarter and rising competition from rival Temu.

Asda has avoided fines despite missing the deadline for its £800m IT upgrade

Walmart has offered its former business Asda a lifeline after the UK supermarket chain missed a crucial deadline for an £800m technology overhaul.

Prosus to snap up Just Eat in £3.3bn deal

Prosus has made an offer to acquire Just Eat for £3.3bn and said it intends to launch the offer “as soon as practically possible”, with completion by the end of the year.

The Original Factory Shop sold to Hobbycraft owner Modella

The Original Factory Shop has been acquired by Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital in a last-minute bid after talks with In The Style owner Baaj Capital stalled.

Consumer confidence shows green shoots in February

Consumer confidence is showing some signs of positivity as GfK’s latest index reveals a climb of two points in February.

Retail sales bounce back with 1.7% growth in January

Retail sales across the UK saw a stronger-than-expected increase of 1.7% in January says the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and marks a recovery following a 0.6% decline in December.

New Look shutters Ireland business due to weakening demand

New Look Retailers (Ireland) Limited has entered into liquidation, as the fashion retailer faces “challenging market environment; rising costs and weakening consumer demand” in the region.

The Perfume Shop expands Deliveroo partnership as it sees sales growth

The Perfume Shop and Deliveroo are celebrating the success of their first retail partnership, with plans to extend the service to further locations.

Quiz closes 23 stores as it calls in administrators

Quiz is set to close 23 stores, with 200 roles at risk, as it works to put the business on a more sustainable footing with 42 stores remaining open under the new owner Orion Retail.

Esprit warns of significant annual loss

Esprit has closed FY24 with annual revenue down 73% to $HK1.59bn (€196m) and a net loss of approximately $HK1.17bn (€144.5m).

Kontoor Brands announces strong Q4 results and Helly Hansen acquisition

Parent company of Wrangler and Lee, Kontoor Brands has acquired Helly Hansen and announced Q4 results showing a 4% growth in revenue to $699m.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How to improve conversions on your paid social ads

If your social ads aren’t converting, your creative, targeting or landing page might be the culprit. Find out what’s holding you back.

Your guide to marketing on LinkedIn

Martech’s guide to LinkedIn's tools, marketing strategies and best practices. Updated with info on Conversions API and Revenue Attribution Report.

How fashion & books are merging

From Maison Valentino’s sponsorship of the Booker Prize in 2024 to Saint Laurent’s bookstore on Paris’ Left Bank, the merging of fashion and books has been a growing theme.

Briton's gym obsession rises

New data has shown Britons embracing healthier lifestyles, driving a surge in nutrition and fitness spending in January.

EU moves closer to putting a waste tax on fashion

Brands and retailers will be required to cover the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling old clothes if a new law is enacted in the European Union.

Facebook statistics every marketer needs

Hootsuite’s list of Facebook statistics has all the data you need to craft a smart strategy and build reports, presentations, and more.

Currys and Deloitte have teamed up to encourage tech recycling

Currys is collaborating with Deloitte on the firm’s new ‘recycle for good’ campaign to encourage its 25,000 UK staff to recycle old tech at Currys stores.

OpenAI’s new tool set to transform online shopping in the UK

OpenAI’s Operator AI agent has launched in the UK. The tool is designed to carry out tasks such as completing an order based on a user’s input, without the need for manual browsing or checkout.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

DFS has named a former Holland & Barret CEO as its non-exec director

DFS has appointed former Holland & Barrett boss Tony Buffin as an independent non-executive director.

B&M CEO to step down as the discounter cuts its profit guidance again

B&M has announced its chief executive is retiring as the discounter cuts its profit guidance for a second time this year.

BRAND NEWS

Curvy Kate unveils new brand image

Lingerie brand Curvy Kate has unveiled a new logo and marketing campaign as it looks to grow its direct-to-consumer business and overseas presence.

Primark reveals opening date for first standalone homewares store

Primark is set to open its first standalone homewares store in Belfast city centre on 6 March. The 8,700sq ft Primark Home will be located close to the retailer’s flagship fashion store.

M&S pilots paper chocolate wrapping as part of net-zero drive

Marks & Spencer is trying out paper wrapping for chocolate for the first time as it seeks to build a sustainable business.

Mango Home to open first standalone store

Spanish fashion retailer Mango has chosen Barcelona as the city for the opening of its first standalone Mango Home store.

Lululemon opens largest EMEA store on Regent Street

Lululemon has relocated its flagship on London's Regent Street to a new 8,923 sq ft space in the same West End shopping destination.

John Smedley launches diffusion line exclusively with John Lewis

British luxury knitwear brand John Smedley has launched a new menswear diffusion line for SS25 exclusively with John Lewis and available online and in the Peter Jones store.

AND FINALLY x2

Aldi is bringing trash chic back with bin bag gowns

Aldi has celebrated London Fashion week with the release of a womenswear collection made from household black bin bags designed by Ethan Leyland.

Hermès in a 'league of their own' as family gets $5bn payout

The French family behind Hermès is set to pocket over $5bn in dividends after four record-breaking years as the luxury brand defies an industry slump.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending February 21^st 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Denim

3/ Vase

4/ Easter

5/ Mother

6/ Kitchen

7/ Cushion

8/ Candle

9/ Green  

10/ Bedroom

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

Oriana B.  was launched in 2019 by Dublin-based Londoner Katharine Deas sourcing and selling unique furniture online, having pivoted from a 25-year international corporate career to pursue her love of design. Oriana B products include furniture, lampshades, lights, lamps, and mirrors.

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 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

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.

Roman Originals has new Curve ranges, big pattern and denim SS25 womenswear imagery and new Petite imagery.

Threadbare has new SS25 womenswear ranges.

Frangipani has new menswear and jewellery.

Very has new clothes for Mother’s Day, a 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.

Fable England has new Alice’s Garden, Running Bunny and Bunny Blues jewellery and bags, Wonderland ranges of bags and scarves, plus new accessories and core jewellery ranges.

Monsoon has new drops of jewellery, bags for women and kids, new wedding outfit shoes and dresses and SS25 womenswear ranges including holiday and beachwear.

River Island has a new Arm Candy bags, Ready for the Races line of clothes, shoes and accessories, Editor Approved Tailoring, a new Check Mate range, new women’s denim clothing and accessories ranges in blue, black and white, plus Black, Brown, Blue Stripe and Butter Yellow-themed ranges.

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

Primark has a new Keith Haring & Basquiat collaboration, new Kappa athleisure wear, beauty ranges, bridal ranges of lingerie and shoes, St Patricks Day outfits, new denim ranges, kids pyjamas ranges, a Kem collaboration, a new Pau Eche (Paula Echevarría) collaboration.

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

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.

George at Asda has a new Style Stories Kat Farmer Studio Edit collaboration, new Modern World collection and a Studio Edit of womenswear, bridal collection, Style Stories by Erica Davies and G21 Maisie Smith collection ranges, new Gym Locker activewear ranges.

Matalan has new Et Vous Spring women’s ranges, a men’s Smart edit, new bag ranges, new nightwear & lingerie, costume ranges for kids, women and menswear for the spring, clothing for the family for Eid, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit.

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

F&F has new Abby Clancy top picks for the spring.

London Grace has new nail polish ranges.

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

Lipsy has new Love & Roses bridal ranges for SS25.

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.

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

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

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.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Regatta TK Maxx Deichmann Fatface Sims Wear Saywood Dune London Mens Joe Browns John Lewis Lola Starr

Home, garden and food

B&M has new bathroom accessories, bedding, luggage, new Mother’s Day gifts, seasonal candle, diffusers, cushions and throws for SS25, new Washed Ashore and Coastal furniture ranges, plus kitchen and tableware ranges.

Primark has new tableware, furniture, storage, towels, bedding, plus Easter gifts plus soft furnishings, furniture and homeware for SS25.

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

Sofology has new SS25 furniture ranges, including sofas, chairs and stools plus furniture for the lounge in bright spring colours.

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.

Cambridge Imprint has new lined exercise and hardback books, stamps, Easter 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.

Jellycat has a new Amuseables range of animals, flowers and food, plus books and the cuddliest soft toys and bags for SS25.

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

Oliver Bonas has new ranges for the kitchen, dining room and lounge, plus furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for SS25.

M&S has Mother’s Day beauty boxes, new wash bags beauty and wellness ranges, Ultimate bedding sets, makeup ranges, SS25 Boho, Classic and Exquisite Earth furniture and homeware ranges, new gifts, new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25.

Very has new beauty ranges, cameras, diffusers and candles.

Furniture Village has new furniture ranges for the bedroom, dining room, office, and lounge.

Home Bargains has 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, 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.

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.

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 Mother’s Day and other events.

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.

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

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

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

TK Maxx has new 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.

See additional new home images from

Hobbycraft Jan Constantine Nest Cult Furniture

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Mother’s Day - 34

Days until Easter – 55

Days until Father’s Day - 111

Days until Christmas Day - 304
 

How to get your brand in the media in March

March is mostly about preparing for the big Easter holidays next month, so make sure you are starting to include relevant Easter keywords. 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.

At the end of the month, there’s Mother’s Day, so try to get Mother, gifts, or Mother’s Day into your keywords for anything that seems appropriate. Also, if you have anything green, add the Keyword St Patrick's Day.

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) and for home it’s all about Spring cleaning and updating for Spring.   

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 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.

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 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. It’s also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Walk All Over Cancer Month, Endometriosis Awareness Month, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, Women’s History Month.  

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;

Paris Fashion Week (3^rd Mar – 11^th Mar)

British Pie Week (3^rd-9^th) 

British Science Week (7^th-16^th)

Butchers Week (10^th-16^th) 

English Tourism Week (14^th – 23^rd)

National Fragrance Week (17^th-23^rd)

Bridal Fashion Week (23^rd-24^th)

The Big Walk and Wheel (24^th – 4^th April) 

Ideal Home Show (Mar 21^st – 6^th Apr)

March - Days

1^st – Brit Awards 

1^st – St David’s Day

2^nd – Dr Seuss Day (US)

2^nd – The Oscars 

3^rd – World Wildlife Day

3^rd – World Hearing Day

4^th – World Obesity Day

4^th – Dog product searches peak ahead of Crufts

4^th – Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday

5^th – Ash Wednesday 

6^th – Crufts begins 

6^th – World Book Day 

8^th – International Women’s Day

9^th – Made in UK Day

9^th - Quadragesima 

10^th – Commonwealth Day 

12^th – No Smoking Day

14^th – World Sleep Day

14^th – Holi Hindu Festival 

17^th – St Patrick’s Day

17^th – Maundy Thursday 

18^th – Global Recycling Day

20^th – First Day of Spring

21^st – International Day of Forests

21^st - Red Nose Day for Comic Relief

21^st – World Poetry Day

22^nd – World Water Day

22^nd – Easter egg searches rise

23^rd – Gardening searches rise

25^th – National Bridesmaids Day

26^th – Five years since the first lockdown started in the UK in 2020

28^th – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research) 

30^th - Mother’s Day UK 

30^th – British Summertime Begins

30^th – Eid al-Fitr / End 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).