Back to PRShots News Main Image: Neem London
PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from Zavvi, Pittards, TK Maxx, Wilko, Burberry, Asda, Under Armour, Jojo Maman Bébé and M&S. Plus articles on how to create a social media budget, how to tap into barbie-mania, the future of email marketing and more.
THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS
UK consumer confidence falls six points as ‘reality starts to bite’
The GfK Consumer Confidence Index overall index score for consumer confidence fell by six points to -30 in July reversing the upwards trend of the last six months as consumer reality bites.
Retail sales rise as food stores ‘bounce back’
ONS data shows retail sales were up 7.8% year on year in June while sales by volume were down 0.9% with Month-on-month sales up 1.2% by value and 0.8% by volume.
THG sells OnDemand division to management
THG is to sell its OnDemand division – including retailer Zavvi and gifting website I Want One Of Those - to its management team and the Gordon Brothers advisory and investment firm.
TK Maxx boosts retail presence
TK Maxx is moving its Watford store to a new larger store and is planning further expansion, opening five new stores across the UK by the end of 2023.
Wilko owners explore sale in race to secure its future
The owners of Wilko are considering the sale of a controlling stake and have begun sounding out prospective buyers in the last few days in a bid to raise tens of millions of pounds in new funding.
Furious M&S to review Oxford Street future as Gove rejects store overhaul plan
Marks & Spencer has reacted with dismay and anger after plans to redevelop its flagship Marble Arch store were rejected by Michael Gove.
Nearly a third still don’t know you can get into debt using BNPL services
Nearly a third of people (31%) don’t think that BNPL purchases can lead to debt, however, this jumps to 51% for those aged 18-24 who are 29% more likely to use BNPL than then UK average.
Consumers are turning away from flashy influencer content
Flashy and unattainable influencer content is losing its grip on consumers with 24% of 25–34-year-olds and 19% of those aged 16-24 have unfollowed accounts with unrelatable excessive lifestyles.
UK marketing budgets hold on to “stronger than expected” growth
UK marketing budgets continued to grow as the first half of 2023 drew to a close, with evidence of “stronger than expected” growth this year.
CMA tells grocers to make pricing clearer in cost-of-living crisis
Concerns that the food market is not competitive enough have been quashed, but grocers have been told by the competition regulator to make it easier for shoppers to compare prices.
Pittards announces £1m investment from unnamed investor
In a race against time, luxury leather goods producer/retailer Pittards has to raise an additional £1.16 million in funding by 28 July, or face the prospect of entering administration.
GMB entices Amazon workers in key regions to consider strikes
The GMB union is planning to bring a bigger fight to Amazon as it looks to recruit workers from the retailer’s key regions to join strikes.
TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
How to create a social media budget
Every business should have a social strategy backed by a social media budget. Find out how much you should be spending on social media marketing.
3 tech-savvy retailers revolutionising ‘try before you buy’
Online fashion retailers are facing a major issue as customers are purchasing multiple variations of the same product in a range of sizes and colours, intending to only keep one and return the rest.
How to tap into barbie-mania with cross-border ecommerce
The Barbie movie is a perfect example of a global consumer trend that can have an impact on product sales of the dolls and everything related.
5 PR lessons to emerge from Farage v Coutts debacle
Gordon Young, editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Drum, looks at the PR fallout from elite bank Coutts & Co's closing of politician Nigel Farage's account.
Why brands need to stop the social hard sell
The cost-of-living crisis has accelerated a new area of influencer content that is resonating with users, de-influencing which rejects the hard sell and un-relatable lifestyles of some influencers.
Two-thirds of marketers distribute content by email. Content Marketing World presenters make their predictions and suggest strategy improvements and alternatives.
Google and TikTok’s popularity grows as UK advertisers move away from Meta
UK-based online businesses have been diversifying their ad spend at the expense of Meta, as overall ad-spend sees a dramatic decline as inflation pinches.
Maybelline New York brings virtual makeup looks to the workplace
Maybelline New York has collaborated with Microsoft to bring virtual makeup looks to the workplace through a Maybelline Beauty App on Microsoft Teams.
BRAND NEWS
Burberry leads line-up in London Fashion Week September schedule
Burberry, JW Anderson, ERDEM, ROKSANDA and Simone Rocha will lead the line-up at the next edition of London Fashion Week in September.
George at Asda partners with female football charity on World Cup apparel
George at Asda scored a partnership with the Miss Kick foundation, which sees the two partner up on an exclusive range of World Cup-ready tees and pyjamas.
Under Armour opens Oxford Street store
Under Armour is the world’s fourth-largest sportswear brand and has embarked on a store opening spree in the UK with its fourth store opening on London’s Oxford Street.
Superdrug opens its largest North-West store at the Trafford Centre
Superdrug has opened its biggest store in the North-West with a new 8095sqft health and beauty store, based in Manchester’s Trafford Centre.
JoJo Maman Bébé announces return of community grant project
JoJo Maman Bébé has launched its ‘Helping Hands’ initiative for the second year, supporting local community projects across the UK and Ireland.
AND FINALLY x2
Retail gazette chooses 13 of the best Barbie brand collaborations for the launch of the new Barbie movie in cinemas today.
Beyoncé to release first fragrance in 10 years
More than a decade after releasing her first fragrance, Heat, Beyoncé is launching a new scent, Eau De Parfum in November.
PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES
What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending July 14th 2023?
1/ AW23
2/ Bikini
3/ Beach
4/ Christmas
5/ Swimwear
6/ Garden
7/ Barbie
8/ Pink
9/ Cushion
10/ Halloween
COLLABORATIONS ON PRSHOTS
Our PRShots brands are looking for media and influencers who want to work with them on collaborations. Register for free at PRShots new collabs service to find out more https://collabs.prshots.com/
NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS
Fable England produces bags, accessories and delicate hand-painted jewellery with each piece made with positivity and kindness to uplift the human spirit and to bring joy to their owners.
Neem London produces sustainable, stylish and classic menswear pieces with low emissions, and according to the Guardian is “a label to consider for your wardrobe staples.”
Rebecca Rhoades is a successful and well-acknowledged Leeds-based womenswear designer who specialises in slow fashion featuring beautiful designs that are well known across the globe with influence in the UK, UAE, AU & EU.
Belissh create bags and dresses for going out and having fun and are committed to creating solutions that are environmentally friendly using sustainable fabric options.
Amelia Scott is a new London-based accessories brand created by Jane Hebden, an award-winning watch and jewellery designer. The jewellery range celebrates individuality and embraces the wonderful world of colour.
Lola Starr ranges are designed with the environment and functionality in mind. They source only the highest quality recyclable materials designed to be recycled, recreated and remoulded again and again. They are a British brand that champions local expertise and keeps the carbon footprint to its lowest level.
Arran Sense of Scotland puts quality and fragrance first, so you can be sure that each of their Bath, Body & Home products have been expertly crafted and manufactured with the greatest care on the Island home of Arran.
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 24hours, week, or month.
BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES
Clothing, beauty and accessories
Primark has a new Flexi Formal range plus the Edit AW23 range, monogram bag ranges, back-to-school ranges, and a Barbie movie range.
George at Asda has new George clothing, bags, boots and accessories.
New Look has more new July drops as well as women’s summer wear, accessories, and footwear ranges.
Oliver Bonas has jewellery boxes, clothing, accessories, footwear and jewellery ranges.
Barbour has new gift ranges for Christmas plus new menswear, and womenswear for AW23, and bags, scarves and back-to-school ranges.
Scamp & Dude has new bags, dresses and headbands.
National Trust shop has new jewellery and fashion ranges for Christmas plus summer outdoor gifts plus autumn and winter accessories.
TK Maxx has new mens, womens and kids clothing and back to school ranges for AW23
Radley has new bag and shoe ranges for releases in August/September/October AW23.
Tu Clothing has new AW23 womenswear clothing, coats, shoes, boots, bags and accessories.
Dune London has new ankle and cowboy boots, shoes, luggage, sandals and bags.
Curvy Kate has new Balcony, Heart, Plunge, Non-Stop, Key to the Peep Show, Elementary, Frill Me, Amaze, Centrepiece, Authority, Retro Wave, High Waist, Happy Boobs ranges.
PrettyLittleThing has Barbie-pink range, Lori Harvey, Gemma Owen, Diliamne Jacob and Jayda Cheaves ranges of holiday outfits for the beach and the clubs, a bodycon range, a festival collection, a Molly Mae Summer edit.
Monsoon has new kids clothing ranges and womenswear including bags, scarves, dresses, kaftans, jackets and jumpers, accessories and jewellery.
Shoe Zone has new back-to-school and women’s and men’s shoes.
Threadbare has more summer clothing with a RHS collaboration, cool womenswear and menswear in its Urban Renaissance and Luxe ranges.
Roman Originals has new floral outfits, spring and summer ranges in all sizes.
Matalan has back-to-school ranges, plus pink and Barbie ranges and summer accessories and a new 20 outfits for £20 or less online range
From my mother’s garden has new womenswear.
Fatface has a new Julien and Adele ranges of womenswear and high summer 2023 ranges for men, women and kids.
See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at
Peacocks Joe Browns Accessorize Aspiga Cotton Traders River Island Lipsy Teva Daisy Park The Night Store Office Very Bonmarché F&F Silk & Lawn
Home, garden and food
Cuckooland has an innovative 2-person roof-mounted tent.
National Trust shop has new Christmas gifts, decorations and cards plus National Trust Vango camping ranges and things for the garden and home.
Cult Furniture has new home ranges and dining and office chairs, cushions, and new furniture and lamps.
Oliver Bonas has new household gifts and accessories as well as furniture for the bedroom and the lounge and decorations for the tree.
Hotel Chocolat has new summer chocolate gift box ranges
Dunelm has new collaboration with Star Wars and the Natural History Museum and has Christmas decorations for the dining room, living room and the tree.
Marks & Spencer has new furniture ranges for the living room., dining room and bedroom.
Sofology has new Bridgerton, Midland Hill, Richmond, Rococo and Emperor ranges of furniture and accessories.
Homesense has new homeware for the lounge, kitchen and bathroom and Halloween decorations as well as gifting ranges.
Cartwright & Butler has new Halloween goodies as well as Christmas hampers, advent calendars, and gift boxes.
Dobbies Garden Centres has new house plant and outdoor living collections.
Wilko has new ranges for the kitchen, dining room and the lounge.
Biscuiteers Baking has new goodies for Christmas from gifts to edible decorations.
Hobbycraft has new Halloween ranges plus weaving and clay kits, sewing kits, cross stitching kits, gifts, Pride clothing, summer party ranges, foam mosaic art and paint and sew your own ranges.
Primark Home has a new home ranges for the bedroom, kitchen and dining room.
Next has a new Dark Fem 1930s inspired furniture ranges, plus new Kindred home accessories and Nomadic, Reflections, Optimism and Moss Green ranges of furniture, Kitchenware and homeware.
Matalan has new Christmas home and gifts collections.
The Range has its Christmas and Halloween ranges, outdoor furniture, things for the kitchen, fans to keep you cool, new beach accessories, homeware, festival gear.
B&M has new Christmas decorations and gifts, Halloween ranges, plus Natural bathroom, kitchen pantry and Winter Harvest ranges.
See additional new home images from the last weeks from
Tweedmill Cutter & Squidge Ivyline Imp & Maker Furniture Village Daisy Park Designers Guild Cambridge Imprint
Looking for inspiration?
Our trends lightboxes section has lots of ideas for features and themes but If you can't find something or you need help then email us at support@prshots.com, and we'll see if we can help
DIARY
PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts
Days until Halloween - 103
Days until Singles Day – 114
Days until Black Friday – 127
Days until Christmas Day - 158
How to get your brand on the July Editorial/Media Calendars, higher up on search engines and in social media
Summer is here! So keep on adding anything summery to your keywords and descriptions eg summer clothing, swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses, plus things to keep you cool, like fans, sun hats and sun shades. Also, push anything to do with the outside, so garden furniture, anything for a garden party, or a picnic or barbecue, and don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnic.
The festival season is now in full-swing, and the media are all looking for festival wear and things to take to festivals (tents, fans, ice boxes, torches etc). We’re also getting ready to go on holiday so beachwear, bikinis, swimsuits, shorts, trunks, luggage, bags etc are all being searched for.
Clothing keywords being searched for this summer include; crochet, maxi dresses, mermaid-core, and anything Pink and Barbie-related.
But not everyone is going abroad. The cost of living crisis is cutting the money in everyone’s wallets, so shoppers are still looking at holidays closer to home. Add in keywords and phrases like “staycation”, “holistay”, “holiday at home” to your keywords and why not suggest clothing like raincoats, coats, hoodies, and cardigans? If you stock them, then firepits and chimineas for the colder UK evenings would be good to add.
July Diary - Weeks/Months
July is Independent Retailer Month, Plastic-free Month, and National Ice Cream Month in the US. It’s also the Men’s and Women’s Ashes tournaments (continues through July), the Women’s Football World cup (20th July onwards) and it’s Cowes Week (29th Jul - 5th Aug).
July - Days
21st – Start of the school holidays
22nd-23rd - Northern Pride
23rd – National Parents Day (US)
24th – National Tequila Day (US)
25th – Christmas in July (5 months until Christmas)
26th - Tisha B'Av (Jewish Holiday)
29th – National Lipstick Day
How to make your products attractive to the media in August
Summer is in full-swing and hopefully the weather will improve – ie stop raining in the north and stop being so damn hot in the south. So, there are just a few weeks left to boost your summer-related images before the AW23 images fully kick in.
Plus tag anything relevant with summer/high-summer, and push anything to do with the outside; garden furniture, anything for a garden party, or a picnic or barbecue. Plus, don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnics, garden party, garden parties etc and if you have them then firepits and chimineas for the colder UK evenings would be good.
It's also a good time to start uploading your AW23 images. So jumpers, scarves, coats, boots along with raincoats, hoodies, and cardigans will all start to be searched for by the media.
It's also not too early to be thinking about back-to-school items - Scottish schools start again end of August – and university students will be getting ready to sort out their wardrobes and rooms so add fresher(s) and university as keywords to anything relevant.
It’s also still time to add Halloween ideas and Christmas gifts if you have them.
August Diary - Weeks/Months
Music festivals are still on, so add any festival wear and camping-related things you have and keyword them with festival, particularly in the weeks running up to the August bank holiday weekend with Reading/Leeds festivals 25-27th August.
The 24th marks 3 months until the Black Friday/Cyber Monday (24-27th Nov) weekend so start preparing for those sales now.
Weeks to celebrate this month include; World Breastfeeding week (1-7th August) the Edinburgh Festival (5-28th August)
August - Days
1st – Yorkshire Day
4th – International Beer Day
5th-6th – Brighton Pride
7th – Summer bank holiday Scotland
8th – International Cat Day
9th – Book Lovers Day
10th - National Shapewear Day
11th – National Bakewell Tart Day
12th – International Youth Day
12th – National Vinyl Records Day
13th – International lefthanders Day
13th – National Prosecco Day
15th – VJ (Victory over Japan) Day
16th – National Rum Day
17th – UK Cupcake Day
18th – National Grooming Day
20th – World Honey Bee Day
21st – World Senior Citizens Day
23rd - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
24th – 3 Months until Black Friday
24th – National Burger Day
25th – National Second-hand Wardrobe Day
25th – Christmas in August (4 months until Christmas Day)
26-28th – Notting Hill Carnival
26th - Women's Equality Day
28th – August Bank Holiday
28th – National Red Wine Day
30th - Raksha Bandhan
Do you have any news on your brand that you want us to feature, or have a new appointee or a new event that you would like us to feature? Get in touch at news@prshots.com We don't charge, so get emailing now!!!
Bookmark our PRShots news section https://www.prshots.com/pressnews and keep up to date with the PRShots daily guide to some of the latest news and trends in the retail, home and marketing sectors.
Related articles
