Main Image: George at Asda

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from HMV, WHSmith, Wickes, Pets at Home,  Hotel Chocolat, Hobbycraft, White Stuff, Matalan, Lacoste, Stella McCartney and Primark. Plus, how to use AI for enhanced sentiment analysis, why customer experience will be key to 2025 success and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

HMV owner eyes 500 WHSmith stores

Canadian entrepreneur Doug Putman who owns the HMV chain is believed to be in talks to buy the store network of WHSmith.

Wickes raises profit outlook as sales rise

Wickes sales were up 3% to £579.1m in the half to 28 Dec, driven by a strong performance in interior paint, decorative accessories and garden projects.

Pets at Home holds guidance despite sales dip

Pets at Home group sales slipped 0.2% to £361.6m in the 12 weeks to 2 Jan, with a 21.3% growth in its vet business helping to offset the weaker performance across its stores.

Shop prices fell in January

The latest BRC-NielsenIQ shop price index data shows there was shop price deflation of 0.7% in January, above deflation of 1% in the previous month.

Hotel Chocolat savours record Christmas

Hotel Chocolat sales were up 10.4% in the four weeks to Dec 29, driven by an increase in both in-store and online and is aiming to open 25 stores in the UK this year.

Hobbycraft owner eyes WHSmith’s high street business

Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital is thought to be one of retail investors, including Bensons for Beds owner Alteri, bidding for WHSmith’s 500+ store portfolio.

White Stuff Christmas trading was strong

White Stuff in the 10 weeks up to 4 Jan saw a 21.8% increase, with online sales up 32.5% and in-store sales up 8.5%, thanks to a strong season for knitwear.

Lacoste nears €3bn in revenue

Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert said sales were up 8% in 2024, bringing its revenue close to €3bn and plans on annual growth rate of 5-10% with a target of €4bn by the end of the decade.

Stella McCartney buys back stake from LVMH

Designer Stella McCartney is buying back the minority stake held by LVMH in her fashion house, some five years after the French luxury giant bought into the business.

Weekend high street visits down 5%

Nearly one in four (23%) admit to shopping less frequently on their high street last year, according to the latest Movers Index from Virgin Media O2 Business.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How to make a social media posting schedule

You’ve got great content let’s make sure people see it. Hootsuite helps you perfect your own social media posting schedule.

How to use AI for enhanced sentiment analysis

Beyond simplistic sentiment charts, AI now dives into context, purpose and emotion to reveal what really drives customer opinions.

Why the customer experience will be key to 2025 retail success  

As retailers hit the ground running in 2025, the customer experience, particularly shaping seamless experiences and unified commerce remains firmly in the spotlight. The Retail Bulletin investigates.

The Rise of Temu: Disruption, convenience, and the hidden costs of hyper-consumerism

In an era of digital marketplace transformation, Temu has emerged as a lightning rod for both economic innovation and critical scrutiny of contemporary consumption patterns.

What really happened over peak trading?

Despite a number of headwinds, Christmas 2024 appeared to be one for the record books as the likes of M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and The Cotswold Company celebrated bumper golden quarters.

What does Primark’s less than golden quarter mean for the rest of UK fashion?

The fashion giant became the latest retailer to update on its performance over the peak Christmas period earlier today and highlighted the impact of “cautious shoppers” on sales.

Amazon to launch ‘Prime Air’ delivery drone service in Darlington

Amazon is planning to launch Britain’s first drone delivery service in Darlington, where it will send drones from its warehouse on the outskirts of the town.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Matalan chief customer officer exits

Matalan's chief customer and omnichannel officer, Ali Jones, has left the business after nearly two years.

BRAND NEWS

Smythson launches new campaign in London

Luxury British lifestyle brand Smythson has launched the second phase of its For A Life Well Written campaign, which puts the brand’s notebooks at the heart of its marketing push.

Kurt Geiger unveils new spring range with Emily Ratajkowski campaign

Kurt Geiger's been joined by actress/model Emily Ratajkowsi to launch of its spring footwear and accessories range today.

Dries Van Noten to open first UK flagship

Belgian designer label Dries Van Noten has signed its first UK flagship in Mayfair, London, joining Jacquemus and Moncler, which have stores in the neighbourhood.

Microsoft to close Oxford Street flagship

Microsoft is closing its Oxford Street 21,000 sqft flagship store in February, six years after opening in 2019, as the tech giant pushes for “digital growth”.

Mytheresa parent company to rebrand to LuxExperience

Mytheresa has announced it will rename its parent company to LuxExperience as part of its planned acquisition of Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP).

Hackett London opens new showroom in Munich

Hackett London is opening a new showroom in Lodenfrey Park in Munich, the British menswear specialist announced on Monday.

AND FINALLY

Two hundred UK companies sign up for permanent four-day working week

Two hundred companies, representing 5,000 employees have signed up for a permanent four-day working week for all their employees with no loss of pay.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending January 24^th 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Valentine

3/ Leopard

4/ Easter

5/ Bag

6/ Pink

7/ Kitchen

8/ Bathroom

9/ Skirt  

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

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

Barbour has new Chapter One collections, Lunar New Year clothing ranges, plus accessories for your pets, new ranges of clothing, boots and accessories for SS25 for men and women.

Primark has new 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 and a Performance 2025 ranges of athleisure clothes, shoes and bags.

Peacocks has 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 and a Michael Owen SS25 Edit.

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

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.

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.

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.

M&S has new 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.

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.

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

Matalan has new Spring womenswear, NFL clothing ranges, Valentine pyjamas, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit, a menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright.

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.

River Island has 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, a new Jo Horner collaboration, “New Year New Look” ranges.

George at Asda has 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.

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

Fatface has new SS25 jewellery, accessories and clothes for men and women.

F&F has a new Kate Ferdinand F&F Active collaboration of athleisure wear for January, new SS25 ranges of women's clothing and accessories.

Sims Wear has new menswear ranges for SS25.

Frangipani has new menswear and jewellery.

Saywood has new womenswear, accessories and soft furnishings.

Dune London Mens has new shoes and trainers for early 2025.

Joe Browns has new SS25 clothing for men and women plus shoes, boots, jewellery and accessories including purses, bags and shopping baskets.

John Lewis has new Anyday and And/Or SS25 clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men, a Dream Dress Edit featuring Whistles, Sister Jane, Reiss, Phase Eight and more clothing ranges for women.

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

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Lipsy Sainsbury’s Beauty National Trust Cotton Traders

Home, garden and food

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.

Cambridge Imprint has new 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.

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

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.

B&M has new Coastal Paradise garden and picnic ranges, Rustic Charm homeware ranges for SS25, including cushions, mirrors, vases and incense burners.

Fritz Fryer has new lantern and pendant lighting ranges.

Jellycat has new cuddliest soft toys and bags for SS25.

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

Online Home Shop has new storage solutions, 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.

M&S has new 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.

Cutter & Squidge has new hampers and food and drink for the Lunar New Year,  Valentine’s Day and Mother’s day.

Home Bargains has new things for garden entertaining, new home exercise accessories, Mediterranean and Travellers Bazaar ranges, homeware from SS25 for the bedroom, bathroom and living rooms plus candles, diffusers, glasses and soft furnishings.

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

George Home has new Lucky Charm range and Dark Garden SS25 interiors ranges, Stacey Solomon collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

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

Nest has some new ranges for the outdoors.

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

Ivyline has new plant pots, fountains and storage for the garden.

Cult Furniture has new ranges for SS25.

Homesense has a new Outdoor Taste of the Med and Summer in the Souk ranges of furniture, homeware and kitchenware, plus indoors furniture and homeware for SS25.

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

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

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.

See additional new home images from

Sofology Fatface

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Valentine’s Day – 17

Days until Mother’s Day - 61

Days until Easter – 82

Days until Christmas Day - 331
 

How to get your brand in the media in January

January is all about fitness and health and getting back on track after a Christmas and New Year holiday break. So, clothes-wise it’s all about clothing for the gym and exercise, so make sure if you have anything relevant that it’s flagged up with keywords like fit, exercise and gym. 

The monthlies are also starting to prepare for Valentine’s Day next month, so get any relevant clothes, accessories and gifts uploaded and keyword them with valentine. They’re also looking forward to next season so make sure anything SS25 is flagged on your drops.

Plus, as we’re still mid-winter there will still be searches for anything cosy, so pyjamas, slippers, coats, hygge, winter warmers, knitwear, scarves and everything warm. 

January is also Veganuary (in 2024 over 1.8m people worldwide signed up for it! ) and it’s also Dry January so it’s a good idea to make sure you have vegan-friendly products and non-alcoholic products labelled on your media centre, plus anything that’s healthy that fits in with resetting your life. 

If you sell gin and anything gin-related then it’s also Ginuary!  It’s also Walk Your Dog Month, so anything dog-related would be good.

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.

Diary - Days

28th – Data Privacy Day

29th – Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year (The year of the Snake)

29th – Valentine’s Day searches rise

31st – Tax return payments are due today

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 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;

National Storytelling Week (1^st – 9^th)

Moda x Pure Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham (2^nd -5^th)

New Homes Week (3^rd – 9^th )

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

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

London Fashion Week (20^th – 24^th)

February – Days

1^st – World Hijab Day

2^nd – Groundhog Day Again!!

2^nd – Yorkshire Pudding Day UK

2^nd - National Wear Red Day (Support for Heart disease) (2^nd US and on 7^th and 28^th in the UK)

4^th – World Cancer Day

6^th – National Sickie Day

6^th – Time to talk day 

8^th – Valentine’s Day searches peak

9^th – National Pizza Day (US)

9^th – NFL Super Bowl

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).