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PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Homebase, LK Bennett, Ralph Lauren, Aldi, Mango, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Topshop and John Lewis. Plus, what is organic reach and how can you improve yours, how to build consumer trust in the age of AI and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Amazon retail sales beat analyst expectations

Amazon revenues for Q4 were $187.8bn (£150.9bn), a 10% increase on the previous year. Online store sales grew by 7% year-on-year, accounting for $75.6bn (£60.7bn) – or 40.3% of total revenue.

Homebase to close 33 stores this month

Homebase will close 33 stores this month as administrators Teneo wind down the garden and DIY chain’s estate.

M&S hit with £40m recycling-tax bill as costs mount

M&S is facing a £40m recycling-tax bill from packaging levies that will start from October, according to two sources familiar with the costs.

LK Bennett's financial year ends in red

LK Bennett announced a pre-tax loss of £3.1m for FY ending Jan 27, 2024. This marks a significant downturn compared to the £2.3m pre-tax profit reported the previous year.

Ralph Lauren exceeds expectations

Ralph Lauren exceeded expectations in Q3 to Dec 28, with sales up 11% to $2.14bn with sales in Europe up by 16% to $604m and in Asia by 14% to $507m. With profits up 23% to $389.7m.

Aldi to create 500 apprenticeship roles

Aldi is planning to hire more than 500 new apprentices this year as it continues its expansion around the UK.

Britain's struggling low-income shoppers challenge growth agenda

Deb Taylor emerged empty-handed from her branch of budget fashion retailer Primark in Southampton, southern England, complaining that "even the cheap stuff's not cheap anymore".

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

What is organic reach, and how can you improve yours?

It’s no secret that most social platforms operate on a pay-to-play model for brands. But there are still many ways to improve your organic reach. Hootsuite shows you how.

Five things CMOs will need to focus on in 2025

Boots CMO Pete Markey explains what areas are set to dominate marketers’ thoughts throughout 2025 as they navigate an uncertain landscape.

How to build consumer trust in the age of AI

Trust in AI is at an all-time low, but businesses rely on it more than ever. Learn to bridge the trust gap and foster consumer confidence.

YouTube analytics tools and tips for marketers

Feeling overwhelmed by your YouTube analytics? Hootsuite has you covered with its list of essential tools, metrics, and tips.

In praise of Marks & Spencer’s online returns UX

The venerable retailer continues to invest in a broad range of customer experience initiatives, which are bearing fruit in its clothing and homeware division.

How to re-engage email subscribers right

Dormant subscribers are a reality for email marketers, but an active re-engagement strategy can minimise the loss.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Net-a-Porter managing director to join John Lewis as chief commercial officer

The MD of Net-a-Porter Vikki Kavanagh has been appointed chief commercial officer at John Lewis and will join in April.

Former Boohoo boss to take reins at Marks & Spencer clothing arm

Former Boohoo chief executive John Lyttle is to join Marks & Spencer to lead its clothing and home division.

The Edit LDN founder has joined Topshop as new global marketing director

The founder of The Edit LDN has joined Topshop and Topman in a new senior marketing role.

BRAND NEWS

Mango ups its game with premium 'Selection'

Mango has unveiled its ‘Selection’ collection, otherwise known as its most premium offering, bringing premium quality to the British high street.

Asos becomes exclusive European wholesale partner to Princess Polly

Asos has become the exclusive European wholesale partner to Australian fast fashion brand Princess Party.

Gopuff uses Morrisons stores to fulfil online orders in new trial

Gopuff is picking, packing and dispatching orders taken from three Morrisons’ stores in London, Watford and Newcastle as part of an ongoing trial.

Sainsbury’s launches Nectar points ‘lock’ to combat fraud

Sainsbury’s has introduced a “lock” feature for customers using its Nectar loyalty app, designed to protect them from losing their points to fraud.

AND FINALLY x2

Ikea hosts in-store Valentines Day dating experience

Ikea has partnered with dating app, Breeze, to give those seeking love the chance to participate in an in-store dating experience based on their sleeping habits.

PETA launches first PETA-approved fish nets

Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched its first and so far, the only PETA-approved fishnet tights – fish net! See what they did there?

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending January 31^st 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Valentine

3/ Leopard

4/ Cushion

5/ Easter

6/ Vase

7/ Rug

8/ Bag

9/ Skirt  

10/ Garden

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 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.

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.

Primark has a new Pau Eche (Paula Echevarría) collaboration, new denim ranges, 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.

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.

M&S has new 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.

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.

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

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.

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, new SS25 ranges of women's clothing and accessories.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

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

Home, garden and food

B&M has 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.

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.

Home Bargains has new 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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

See additional new home images from

Cult Furniture Homesense National Trust Habitat Sofology Fatface

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Valentine’s Day – 7

Days until Mother’s Day - 51

Days until Easter – 72

Days until Christmas Day - 321
 

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)

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

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).