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PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from Wickes, John Lewis, Joe Browns, Seraphine, Superdry, Frasers Group, Boohoo, Dreams, Primark and M&S. Plus articles on six ways covid changed retail, is AI coming for retail jobs, how robots are changing customer service and more.
THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS
Wickes posts profit fall despite achieving ‘record sales’
Wickes achieved “record sales” for FY22 to Dec 31 with revenue up 1.6% to £1.56bn however adjusted profit before tax was down 11.3% to £75.4m
John Lewis boss Sharon White reassures customers amid backlash over stake sale plans
John Lewis chair Sharon White has reassured customers that it intends to stay a partnership for “another 75 years” after facing backlash over its plans to dilute the 100% staff-owned model
Gio Goi founders take back business from JD Sports
Anthony and Christopher Donnelly, founders of Manchester-based streetwear brand Gio Goi, have re-acquired the business from sports retail giant JD Sports Fashion
Joe Browns to open ten new stores across UK
Joe Browns is to open ten new stores by the end of 2024 to add to its two shops in York and Meadowhall and is looking to launch new sites in shopping centres, cities and towns across the UK.
M&S named most improved fashion retailer
A new survey of 5,000 women finds M&S is beating Next, Primark and Boohoo and others thanks to its pricing, quality and style and is benefitting from Debenhams demise
Seraphine gets majority shareholder support for go-private plan
Maternitywear specialist Seraphine has received majority support for the £15.3m (30p a share) buyout offer from Mayfair Equity partners (MEP) and will de-list on 6 April.
Companies will need to offer repairs for worn-out products for up to 10 years under new EU laws
The European Union wants to give consumers the right to have goods like washing machines and televisions repaired by the manufacturers for up to 10 years after they are sold.
The Restory closes as the administrators move in
Circular fashion service The Restory has been liquidated, with Newcastle-upon-Tyne accountants RMT appointed as administrators
Almost a quarter of UK retailers shunning paper receipts for digital option
Almost a quarter (24%) of UK retailers now exclusively offer digital receipts and 84% are providing digital receipts as an option
Up to 40% of shops must be repurposed in next five years
Up to 40% of shops will need to be reinvented into anything from go-kart tracks to food markets over the next five years or “wither on the vine”
Superdry sells Asia Pacific IP for $50m in growth push
Superdry has sold its Asia Pacific intellectual property assets for $50m to local Superdry operator Cowell Fashion Company, and will use the proceeds to expand its global reach.
BRC warns on retail ‘regulatory burdens’ in face of rising inflation
The British Retail Consortium's (BRC) chief executive warns that the retail sector is risking "a crash in business investment" if the government fails to tackle oncoming retail "regulatory burdens".
EU Proposes Clampdown on ‘Green’ Claims
The European Commission has proposed new rules that would require companies in Europe to back up climate-friendly claims about their products with evidence.
TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY
Artificial intelligence (AI) is opening opportunities for retail giants to cut costs and boost efficiency, with many worried about the prospects of job cuts and mass layoffs.
Twitter SEO helps build brand recognition by increasing the visibility and reach of your tweets and profile, here are six ways to make improve your SEO better.
12 tactics for better reach with Facebook SEO
Facebook SEO isn't just part of a well-rounded digital marketing diet - it's the key to unlocking more reach and gaining more customers.
Six ways covid changed the retail market
Today marks three years since the start of the UK’s first lockdown. So, which consumer trends adopted during the pandemic have stood the test of time and which have been left behind.
Marketers enjoy an ever-expanding choice of artificial intelligence-driven tools to optimise ad performance, generate content, enhance images, monitor competitors, and more.
Robots are changing the face of customer service
Robots are appearing in customer service, however robots must be designed and implemented the right way, otherwise customers - and human co-workers - will avoid interacting with them.
Prada Group partners with Adobe to reimagine in-store, digital experiences
Prada is working with Adobe to create a new personalised experience in-store and online based on customers past purchases, in-store experiences and their online profiles.
Instagram unveils two new advertising channels
Instagram has unveiled two new advertising channels, Reminder Ads a three-part event reminder available now, and ads in search results which is expected to launch in the coming months
PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS
eBay names new UK boss as Lambell takes global role
eBay has promoted Eve Williams from chief marketing officer to vice-president, general manager of its UK business.
BRAND NEWS
Frasers Group to open third Sports Direct flagship
Frasers Group is to open its third Sports Direct flagship store with a 50,000 sqft five storey store in Manchester's Arndale Centre.
Boohoo to launch first ever pop-up in London
Boohoo is set to open its first ever pop-up on London’s Great Portland Street to showcase its spring season collection
Dreams invests £2m in opening its largest warehouse
Dreams has invested £2m into opening a new 260,000sq ft warehouse in Willenhall as part of its growth strategy and to help reduce its carbon footprint
AND FINALLY
Primark to open four new ‘Tasty by Greggs’ cafes
Primark has extended its partnership with Greggs as it unveils the opening of four new in-store cafes starting with Newcastle in a bid to boost the customer experience.
PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES
What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending March 17th 2023?
1/ Easter
2/ Mother’s Day
3/ Garden
4/ Bathroom
5/ Pink
6/ Kitchen
7/ Earrings
8/ Bag
9/ Cushion
10/ Bedroom
COLLABORATIONS ON PRSHOTS
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NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS
Studio started back in 1962 and delivers everything from homewares through to clothing and footwear from top brand names as well as its own branded clothing.
Mission C founder Qes discovered that CBD oil helped his Grandad - who was living with dementia - feel calm and contented, he knew it could help others too. So he created a natural and accessible remedy for people looking to improve their quality of life.
Lavender Hill creates luxurious staples, using natural sources, with extra emphasis placed on how the clothes feel, giving every item the softest touch imaginable and that every piece feels soft and comforting next to your skin.
Jessica Russell Flint is British designer who creates vibrant, entirely unique hand-illustrated prints, with luxury products ranging across accessories, clothing, sleepwear and homeware.
&Sons is all about vintage-inspired clothing for the modern-day Pioneer. Timeless garments for the modern man, designed by and for craftspeople, artisan makers and creative pioneers in their chosen fields of endeavour.
Damsons aim is to cater to real women who face the challenges of life with open arms. Their latest collection is influenced by vintage workwear and iconic styles, delicately transformed into contemporary feminine silhouettes.
Tweedmill is a family run business established in 1971 that creates beautiful British made blankets, picnic rugs, home accessories and more and are stocked in more than 4000 retailers UK wide.
Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear is designed to make women feel fabulous about their curves. With sizes from D to K cups Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear ethos is to “Fit, lift, shape and comfort.”
Imp & Maker founded by entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn to bring together food, drinks & gifts from established, emerging and exciting new names in the food & drink world for both home and corporate gifting.
Scamp & Dude was created by Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and previous MD of Beauty Seen PR and is famous for their signature leopard and lightning bolt print and vibrant designs, which features in their mens, womens, kids and baby ranges.
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
PrettyLittleThing has new festival collections, new ranges and collabs
Very has new V by Very and Very Curve ranges plus Michelle Keegan collaborations
Dune London has a new range of bags and kids shoe ranges for the summer
New Look has new footwear ranges, swimwear and summer clothing drops
Roman Originals has new spring and summer ranges in all sizes
TK Maxx has new clothing, shoes, make up and accessories
Barbour has new mens, womens and kids ranges
River Island has a new Nine range as well as swimwear and accessories, spring/summer clothing
Dune London Men’s has new SS23 shoes and accessories ranges
National Trust Shop has new scarves, hats, bags and accessories
Primark has new EDIT range and new shoes, beachwear, plus new women and mens summer clothing, makeup and kids clothing and accessories
Matalan has new bags, hats and sandals
Threadbare has new mens and womens ranges
Peacocks has new womenswear ranges
Fatface has new mens, womens and kids ranges
Monsoon has a new SS23 childrenswear, womenswear, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories
Cotton Traders has new summer wear imagery
Oliver Bonas has new dresses, bags, jewellery, shoes and accessories
Radley has new ranges but check the embargo
See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at
The Morphbag by JSK Marks & Spencer NoLoGo Dancing Leopard Crew Clothing Very Bryony Bel Lipsy Tu Clothing Regatta Teva Office TU Clothing Cath Kidston Joe Browns Aspiga From my mother’s garden
Home, garden and food
Marks & Spencer has new outdoor ranges
Furniture Village has new outdoor furniture
Ivyline has a new outdoor furniture, pots, planters, hanging baskets, firepits and mirrors and more
Dobbies Garden Centres has new terrariums, plants, pet ranges, things for the home, and patio furniture.
TK Maxx has new home ranges and toys
Homesense has new gift ranges for pets, party ranges, home furniture and things for outdoor dining
The Range has Easter homeware and decorations, plus kitchen and homeware to keep you organised in 2023
Cuckooland has new outdoor furniture
Biscuiteers Baking has new coronation goodies as well as Smiley 50th birthday ranges plus Easter and Father’s Day
Nologo has new tableware
National Trust shop has new plant collections, Easter gifts and summer items for outdoor living
B&M has new animal gifts
Oliver Bonas has new home ranges
Sofology has a new Sapporo, Hetty and Fellini ranges and a new corner sofa bed
Dunelm has new camping and outdoor ranges homeware and Easter gifts and decorations
Wilko has new gifts and home items
Cult Furniture has new interiors items as well as tables and chairs
Fritz Fryer has new lighting solutions
Next launches outdoor dining ranges, Easter collections as well as a new Tahiti, Stockholm, Arches, Valencia and Medley interiors collections
See additional new home images from the last weeks from
Branch Jewellery Primark GettingPersonal Nest Cardfactory Cartwright & Butler Cutter & Squidge Fatface George Home Daisy Park Very Primark Home Cath Kidston
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 Alert
Days until Easter – 17
Days until Eid al-Fitr – 29
Days until The Coronation - 44
Days until Halloween – 222
Days until Singles Day - 233
Days until Black Friday – 246
Days until Christmas Day – 277
How to get your brand on the March Editorial Calendars, search engines and social media
March is mostly about preparing for the big Easter holidays in April so make sure you are starting to include relevant Easter keywords, plus 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.
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).
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 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 the British Heart Foundation 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.
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;
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27th – Apr 2nd)
English Tourism Week (Mar 17th – Mar 26th)
Ideal Home Show (Mar 17th – Apr 2nd)
National Fragrance Week (Mar 20th – Mar 26th)
The Big Walk and Wheel (Mar 20th – Mar 31st) Changes
March - Days
25th – National Bridesmaids Day
26th – British Summertime Begins (clocks go forward)
26th – Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
31st – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research)
How to get your brand on the April Editorial Calendars, search engines and social media
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, beachwear, swimwear, the garden, garden parties, outdoor living, things for the patio, and of course Barbecues. Don’t forget to add all of 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 also trimming their budgets thanks to the rising costs of gas and electricity etc, and are looking 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, and 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.
April Diary – Weeks/Months
As well as Easter 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.
Other events include;
World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27th – Apr 2nd)
Community Garden Week (Apr 3rd – Apr 9th)
Discover National Parks Fortnight (Apr 4th – Apr 18th)
International Dark-Sky Week (Apr 15th – Apr 22nd)
Allergy Awareness Week (Apr 20th – Apr 25th)
MS Awareness Week (Apr 24th – Apr 30th)
April - Days
1st – April Fool’s Day
5th – Passover Begins
6th – Maundy Thursday
7th – World Health Day
7th – National Beer Day (US)
7th – Good Friday
9th – Easter Sunday
10th – Easter Monday
13th – Passover Ends
14th – Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year)
14th-16th – Coachella Weekend One
15th – Grand National
21st - National Tea Day
21st – End of Ramadan
22nd – Earth Day
21st- 23rd – Coachella Weekend Two
23rd – St George’s Day
23rd - National Asparagus Day
23rd – Shakespeare Day
24th - National Skipping Day
24th – Fashion Revolution Day
25th – World Malaria Day
25th – National Lingerie Day
26th – Stop Food Waste Day
29th - International Dance Day
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!!!
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