Main Image: Curvy Kate

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from The Original Factory Shop, Topshop, Topps Tiles, Sheep Inc, Freemans, Boss, Crew Clothing, Guess and John Lewis. Plus, the UK and US retail trends, how to win over the AI in charge of the customers’ inbox and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

The Original Factory Shop puts 1,000 jobs at risk under survival plan

The Original Factory Shop owner Modella Capital is planning to impose steep rent cuts across half the retailer’s store estate, putting nearly 1,000 jobs at risk.

Topshop comeback to include brand being sold by other retailers

Topshop said it had signed agreements with select wholesale partners to bring the brand back into physical retail, but that it was first focused on relaunching a standalone website for Topshop.

Topps Tiles’ £9m CTD Tiles takeover gets green light

Topps Tiles has received approval from the Competition and Markets Authority for its £9m takeover of CTD Tiles.

Authentic Brands Group weighs rival bid for Guess

New York-based Authentic Brands is working on a potential offer that would counter the $13-a-share cash proposal that Guess received in March from WHP Global.

March retail sales boosted by sunny weather

Retail sales across the UK rose by 0.4% in March, marking the third consecutive month of growth, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Consumer confidence falls as cost increases and Trump’s tariffs cause concern

Consumer confidence fell four points in April as cost increases across household bills, taxes, and retail goods along with Trump’s tariffs are causing concern.

Shoplifting has reached yet another record high

Shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales have reached their highest level, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Kering reports 'difficult start to the year' as Gucci sales slip by almost a quarter

Gucci parent company Kering sales were down by 14% to €3.8bn in Q1 2025, as it had "anticipated". With Gucci revenues declining most, with a 24% fall in the quarter.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Your next marketing challenge may be winning over the AI in charge of the customer’s inbox

An inbox that acts like a personal assistant? AI could turn email into a smart, signal-based system that fits your daily life. Martech shows you how.

5 tactics to make your B2B content hit harder and stick longer

Martech shows you how to make your content work harder with eye‑catching visuals, curiosity‑driven titles, real‑world scenarios, risk‑free CTAs and practical how‑tos.

Forter reveals retail trends in the US and UK

New report from Forter shows 68% of shoppers find flexible return policies easy to exploit, costing retailers billions amid growing economic pressure.

Sheep Inc debuts 'revolutionary' Fibregen line

Having secured £5m in seed funding “to redefine the future of fashion”, fashion brand Sheep Inc has launched Fibregen a new material “that feels like air”.

BRAND NEWS

John Lewis rolls out repair to all stores

John Lewis has extended its repair service across all of its department stores after a five-store trial saw strong customer take-up.

Freemans expands menswear range

Freemans is launching an expansion of its menswear range in a bid to offer the same quality and choice of clothing to men as women.

BOSS launches first collection co-designed by David Beckham

David Beckham has added another string to his bow by co-designing a SS25 meswear collection with the German fashion brand Boss.

Crew Clothing enters athleisure space with ‘SuperLuxe’ collection

Crew Clothing marks its return to Cheltenham with the opening of a new 1,800 sq ft store on the Promenade, and the launch of ‘SuperLuxe’ its first women’s athleisure collection.

Adidas introduces Riccardo Calafiori as first ever underwear ambassador

Adidas has revealed Arsenal football player Riccardo Calafiori as its first-ever ambassador for the brand’s underwear range.

AND FINALLY x2

“Mend in Public Day” - when repairing one’s clothes becomes a revolutionary act

Non-profit organisation Fashion Revolution is promoting a “Mend in Public Day” as part of Fashion Revolution Week this Saturday (26^th April).

Loungefly launches collection with KFC

Lifestyle brand Loungefly has partnered with fast-food chain KFC to create a special collection of wearable accessories.

JOIN THE GREEN GRADS

Green Grads are looking for new recruits and sponsors

Green Grads is a platform for recent UK graduates with ideas to heal the planet and it’s now recruiting for its fifth cohort, with over 200 current grads listed on the website. It’s also a great chance for a brand to show commitment to the environment and sustainability by joining Green Grads expanding cooperative of outward-looking forward-facing stellar British brands by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities start with the comparatively modest sum of £500 and current sponsors include such well-known names as Heal's, Anglepoise, Ercol, the Futon Company, Camira and many more. To find out more see http://www.greengrads.co.uk

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending April 18^th 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Dress

3/ Easter

4/ Garden

5/ Sunglasses

6/ Yellow

7/ Outdoor

8/ Bag

9/ Red  

10/ Shorts

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

Sketched by Siena is a unique card design company founded in 2020 by Siena, a graphic design graduate from Ravensbourne University who creates the cards by hand with the help of her sister Ellie.

Cave Cove was born from the rhythm of the tides and the wonder of the wild. Founded by three women, the brand is at its heart a female-led business created for the benefit of the many, not the few. Every embroidered detail, every flowing pattern, and every delicate texture on its clothing ranges is a reminder to embrace the elements and live with gentle joy.

Ruggable all started at the kitchen table. That's where Jeneva Bell first conceived of a rug you could put in your washing machine. After years of development, they launched the original Ruggable machine-washable rug and the brand has gone on to be hugely successful ever since.

Plia Parasols makes wooden garden parasols, upholstered with luxury outdoor fabrics. Sewn in Cornwall, customers can either plump for one of the in-house designs, or go bespoke and supply their own fabric for a totally unique parasol.

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.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Peacocks has a new summer womenswear, plus a Louise Redknapp Linen Edit for summer, a SS25 Edit range, and a new menswear range.

Primark has new childrenswear for the summer, Tanlines makeup and skincare, Krispy Kreme and Hello Kitty collaborations, beachwear with swimsuits, wraps, bikinis and shorts, plus linen ranges  and new accessories, including handbags, bags and sandals, a new clothing collaboration with Guinness.

River Island has new summer Frocks, Cool Casual menswear ranges, a new women’s wear collaboration with Latin-Australian brand Del Maar, including dresses, sarongs, sandals, bikinis and swimsuits, plus new linen outfits and jewellery.

Oliver Bonas has new May and June 2025 uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, hats, shoes, sunglasses and accessories as well as new ranges for SS25.

George at Asda has new summer holiday wear, including bikinis, swimsuits, shorts, trousers, dresses and accessories, plus new athleisure outfits and accessories.

Iolla has new sunglasses and glasses for the summer with the option of multi-coloured lenses, plus ranges of frames and glasses based on nostalgia for a Scottish coastal summer.

Threadbare has a new menswear, Spring Romance and Another Sunday ranges of clothing and new summer footwear and beachwear, plus a Spring Romance womenswear range, plus new SS25 womenswear and menswear ranges.

Roman Originals has new Crochet and embroidery ranges, plus Petite, Dusk and Curve ranges for the summer, plus big pattern and denim SS25 womenswear imagery.

Accessorize has new beachwear including shirts, shorts, bikinis and dresses, plus accessories including makeup sandals, bags, card holders and jewellery.

M&S has a new suede-themed range of clothing, a Collection range of women's clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories, new Per Una clothing ranges, as well as new perfume ranges and casual and formal men’s wear ranges.

Matalan has a new Et Vous and Taylor & Wright collaborations, Father’s Day kidswear clothing, Holiday Shop collections for all the family, men’s and women’s summer ranges with clothes for the beach.

TK Maxx has new womens, mens and kids clothing and accessories for the spring and summer, as well as haircare products and makeup.

Lipsy has a new Love & Roses V&A museum collaboration of womenswear.

Curvy Kate has its range of swimwear for the spring and summer, including swimming costumes and bikinis. 

Fable England has new bag charms and jewellery based on the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit characters, 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.

Celtic & Co has new smart cool summer midi dresses and sandals for the holidays and the beach.

F&F has new F&F Active sportswear and athleisure collaboration with Kate Ferdinand, new summer beachwear campaign imagery and has Abbey Clancy top picks for the spring.

Bonmarché has a new Dash collaboration of summer outfits with Lisa Snowdon.

Barbour has new mens summer outfits including a range of festival wellies, plus a new Crocs collaboration, a Very British Summer collaboration of clothes and accessories with Lucy Williams, and a new shoe collaboration with Wild Bunch, rainwear ranges.

Joe Browns has new SS25 menswear, polo tops, t-shirts, shorts, shoes, hats and accessories plus womenswear including dresses, shorts, skirts, beachwear, shoes, jewellery, towels, sarongs, scarves, purses, handbags, shopping bags and beach bags for the summer.

Scamp & Dude has clothes and accessories, new SS25 athleisure wear, dresses, shorts, jackets, hoodies, coats, bags and scarves, plus new collaborations with Nicky Newman and Sabrina Elba.

John Lewis has new Anyday, John Lewis and Kin men’s ranges and a Goodie Works t-shirt collaboration, plus new women’s clothing, shoes and accessory ranges for the spring and summer. Plus a range of women’s bags and jewellery.

Very has a new Michelle Keegan collaboration, plus drops SS25 lookbook imagery, a new V by Very and V by Very Curve ranges of dresses, jumpers, jackets, coats jumpsuits, swimwear, jeans, trousers and shoes.

Monsoon has new SS25 ranges for the beach and holidays, plus women’s and kids clothing for the summer, new sandals for the beach, plus new jewellery and bags for women and kids, new wedding outfit shoes and dresses.

Dune London has new bags, sandals and shoes for him and her for the summer, bag charms, clutch bags, handbags and belts, bridal shoe ranges for casual to posh weddings.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

New Look Cotton Traders  Joma Jewellery Katie Loxton Crew Clothing Tu Clothing Celtic &Co

Home, garden and food

Habitat has a new home collaboration with Scion including furniture, shelving, lighting, candles, diffusers soft furnishings and bedding.

Oliver Bonas has new Father’s Day gifts, new May/June/July drops of homeware ranges for the kitchen, dining room and lounge, plus furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for SS25.

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

Treats by Mars reveals a new Galaxy honeycomb snack.

Nest has new Vitra office furniture, living room furniture including lounge chairs, plus Ferm Living, Tom Dixon and Hay garden furniture, including tables, chairs and loungers.

TK Maxx Has new kitchenware ranges and things for the garden.

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

Matalan has new tableware and kitcheware.

Primark has new Krispy Kreme and Hello Kitty collaborations for packed lunches, new paisley pattern soft furnishings and bedding, plus homeware including diffusers, candles, vases and jugs for the home.

Homesense has new AW25 homeware and kitchenware including dishes, chairs, art, rugs, jugs plus Christmas 2025 crackers, wreaths and decorations.

Dobbies Garden Centres has new garden furniture, sheds and outside storage solutions, home houseplants including orchids, garden tool ranges, homeware, pet ranges, kids garden toys.

M&S has new homeware including furniture, lighting, bedding and tableware, new wash bags beauty and wellness ranges, Ultimate bedding sets, makeup ranges, SS25 Boho, Classic and Exquisite Earth furniture and homeware ranges.

Jan Constantine has new cushion ranges.

B&M has new DIY tools and electricals ranges, new baby and food events as well as new Lego kits, Garden solar lighting, spring electrical ranges, garden decorations, cookware and dining decorations.

Cambridge Imprint has new, labels, tea towels, box files, envelopes, postcard boxes, postcards, tea trays, lined exercise and hardback books, stamps, ribbons, and albums.

Home Bargains has new Wickford & Co candle jars and diffusers, plus luxury candles, diffusers and room sprays from The Vault.

Quorn Stone has new Chalfont and Metro tiles, new decorative tiles, Orotelli stone for the floors and Luella Powder for the bathroom, Frome white stone, Orwell Natural Porcelain Stone, and Chastleton Ivory Stone.

Designers Guild has new Christian Lacroix Maison SS25 ranges, new SS25 outdoor ranges including rugs and cushions.

George Home has new outdoor furniture and tableware for the garden and picnics, new Stacey Solomon  home collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware. And new home gifts and furniture.

See additional new home images from

Hobbycraft John Lewis Online Home Shop Fritz Fryer Dunelm

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Father’s Day – 51

Days until School holidays start (23rd July) – 89

Days until Halloween - 189

Days until Christmas Day – 244
 

How to get your brand in the media in April

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, Coachella this month in the US, beachwear, swimwear, the garden, garden parties, outdoor living, things for the patio, and of course Barbecues. Don’t forget to add all 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 considering destinations 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. 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.  

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.

April Diary - Weeks/Months

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.  It’s also National Garden Month (so anything gardening-related should be tagged with National Garden Month), National Poetry Month and Celebrate Diversity Month.

Other events include;

International Dark-Sky Week (21^st – 28^th)

Allergy Awareness Week (24^th – 28^th)

MS Awareness Week (22^nd – 28^th)

April - Days

25^th – Staycation searches peak

25^th – World Malaria Day

25^th – National Lingerie Day

26^th – National Mend in Public Day

27^th – London Marathon

29^th - International Dance Day

30^th – Stop Food Waste Day

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). 

How to get your brand in the media in May

We’re now well into Spring, and there are two long bank holiday weekends to enjoy this month, and with a bit of luck, we’ll have great weather for at least one of them.

To get the best chance for a download, add images that are related to the summer, and make sure they’re accompanied by any keywords relating to being out of the house and into the garden and the great outdoors, including garden, garden parties, barbecues (don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que, etc.) picnics, outdoors.

Summer holidays are on the horizon, so campaign images that include the beach or the outside world will be used. Upload any images you have of summer outfits, holiday clothes, festival clothes, sandals, beachwear, swimsuits, bikinis, linen, and sandals.

Not everyone will be going abroad so still keep keywords and phrases like “staycation”, “holistay”, “holiday at home”, to your keywords, also think about uploading images more appropriate to a UK holiday, like cardigans and hoodies for the colder UK evenings.

May is also the start of wedding season, so if you have any wedding-related items, then get ready to promote them along with any wedding keywords, bridal, bride, groom, hen party, stag do, 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.

May Diary - Weeks/Months

May is National Walking Month, National Smile Month (12^th May – 12^th Jun), and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

It’s also:

Small Business Week – (May 4^th - 10^th)

Dementia UK Time for a Cuppa Week (1^st-8^th)

National Doughnut Week (10^th – 18^th)

National Stationery Week (12^th –18^th)

Cannes Film Festival (13^th – 24^th)

Sandwich Week (19^th – 25^th) 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show (20^th – 24^th)

National Barbeque Week (May 26^th – Jun 1^st )

May - Days

(30^th-1^st) -Yom Haatzmaut

1^st – World Password Day

3^rd – World Press Freedom Day

4^th – Star Wars Day

4^th – Firefighters Memorial Day

5^th –Cinco de Mayo (US Holiday)

5^th – May Day 

8^th – VE day

9^th – Europe Day

9^th – Whit Monday / Pentecost 

10^th – Searches of Prom dresses peak

11^th- World Fairtrade Day

11^th – Mother’s Day (US and Australia) 

12^th – International Nurses Day

13^th – World Cocktail Day

15^th – International Day of Families

15^th - Father’s Day gift searches rise / BBQ searches rise

15-16^th – Lag BaOmer 

17^th – Eurovision Final in Basel Switzerland

17^th – World Whisky Day 

17^th - Men’s FA Cup Final

18^th – Women’s FA Cup Final 

20^th – World Bee Day

21^st – International Tea Day

22^nd – World Goth Day

22^nd – Craft Distillery Day (US)

25^th - Geek Pride Day

25^th – National Wine Day (US)

25^th – Camping-related searches rise

26^th – Spring Bank Holiday 

26^th – Memorial Day 

29^th – National Biscuit Day

29^th – Ascension Day 

30^th – BBQ searches peak

31^st - UEFA Champions League Final

 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).