Main Image: George at Asda

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from AO, JD Sports, Depop, Nike, Booths, Mothercare, Tapi Carpets, Built for Athletes, Trinny London, Primark, Reiss, Champion and John Lewis. Plus, why The Bodyshop is making a comeback market by market, the best times to post on social media and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

AO World to buy MusicMagpie in £10m deal

AO World is to buy MusicMagpie in a £9.98m deal with expected completion in early 2025, in a bid to boost its presence in the mobile and consumer tech market.

JD Sports outperforms ‘volatile market’

JD Sports results for H1 ending 3 Aug show sales up 5.2% to £5bn and pre-tax profit at £405m as it outperformed a “challenging and volatile market” and sales boosted by its acquisition of US brand Hibbert.

John Lewis aims to create ‘world flagship’ with Peter Jones store overhaul

John Lewis has ambitions to transform its landmark Peter Jones store in Chelsea, London, into a ‘World flagship” store that stands out on the global retail stage.

Depop narrows losses as sales and user numbers jump

Depop results for 2023 show revenues up 31% to £71.3m and the operating loss narrowed by 29% to £49.1m, with user numbers up to 35m registered users last year, up from 30m in 2022.

Nike withdraws full-year guidance as sales plunge

Nike withdrew its full-year forecast after Q1 revenues plummeted 10% with DTC sales down 13% to $4.7bn, while wholesale revenues dipped by 8%.

Booths slashes loss thanks to record sales

Booths turnover for the year to 30 Mar was up to £318.6m from £298.7m and reduced its pre-tax loss to £1.5m from £4m.

Tapi Carpets pulls in first profit outside of Covid

Tapi Carpets sales for the year ended 31 Dec were up 7.9% to £171m, with profits up by almost £10m from its £1.7m loss in 2022, driven by seven new store openings in 2023.

Mothercare suspends share trading

Mothercare has temporarily suspended the trading in its shares on the AIM market after it missed the deadline for its audited results amid refinancing negotiations.

Authentic Brands Group completes acquisition of Champion

Authentic, the parent company of brands such as Billabong, Hunter and Nautica, has finalised its acquisition of athleticwear brand Champion. 

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

The best times to post on social media

When is the best time to post on social media? With a few exceptions, early morning weekdays are your best bet.

The business case for sustainable logistics

HaulageHub is utilising AI technology to transform how shippers and hauliers connect, optimising efficiency while reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

Has the UK fallen out of love with garden centres?

The Dobbies Garden Centres news that it is set to close 17 stores and Homebase offloading stores has brought the profitability of garden centres into question.

How to use ChatGPT for social media

Save time, get strategy advice, and never worry about finding the perfect caption. Hootsuites shows you how to get started with ChatGPT for social media.

12 new social networks for 2024

PracticalEcommerce’s rundown of new social networks includes decentralised platforms, live-streaming apps, location-based services, and more.

Why The Body Shop brand is making a comeback ‘market by market’

The Body Shop CEO has said the brand is making a comeback “market by market” as it works to rebuild franchises in Spain and Portugal following a series of international closures.

Why public relations is thriving in today’s global marketing mix

PR isn't just about spinning a yarn; it's about weaving a brand's story into the fabric of society and it’s still as relevant to success today as it always was.

BRAND NEWS

Hotel Chocolat launches Halloween Collection

Hotel Chocolat is celebrating Halloween with a medley of products including milk, caramel-milk and dark chocolates carved into Halloween shapes.

Built For Athletes reveals first-ever clothing collection

Premium fitness brand Built For Athletes has announced the launch of its first-ever clothing collection.

Primark launches biggest ever Breast Cancer Awareness collection

Primark has launched its biggest-ever range of products to provide support and comfort for those affected by breast cancer in the UK to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month this October.

Reiss launches collaboration with Les 100 Ciels

Premium British retailer Reiss has launched an exclusive 40-piece collection with French contemporary brand Les 100 Ciels.

Rotate and H&M team up to bring ‘Scandinavian glamour’ to the UK

Rotate has teamed up with H&M for its second capsule collection. Launching on 10 Oct, the collaboration debuts in the UK for the first time.

Trinny London to open concessions in John Lewis stores

Trinny London has struck a retail partnership with John Lewis and will be available in seven stores across the UK and on the department store’s website.

AND FINALLY

Former Harrods director no longer becoming Fenwick CEO

Fenwick has told the BBC "In July 2024, we announced that we would be appointing Nigel Blow as CEO of Fenwick. Nigel Blow has informed us that he will no longer be taking up this position."

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending September 27^th 2024?

1/ AW24

2/ Halloween

3/ Christmas

4/ Leopard

5/ Bedroom

6/ Bauble

7/ Dress

8/ Coat

9/ Garland  

10/ Pets

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Priestleys was founded by husband and wife team James and Karen and specialises in producing little luxuries in their Lincolnshire workshop.  Their leather bags, belts, wallets and accessories are handcrafted using responsibly sourced leathers from gold and silver-rated tanneries in Europe and are supplemented with ranges of scarves and jewellery.

Sims Wear was founded by Billy Sims-Hilditch with the idea of creating British made menswear, using best in class natural fibres. The range is all home produced in Aberdeenshire from fibre carding and spinning, through to knitting, weaving, cutting and sewing.

Marté was founded by Victoria Angus after 20 years working in the footwear industry. Her brand’s mission is centred around Labour rights, freedom of association and freedom from discrimination, along with forward-thinking movements on environmental impact and a drive to sustainability.

Initially London are the UK's only full-service monogramming company specialising in classic accessories, home linens and gifts for all occasions and all include their fabulous embroidered and laser-etched monograms.

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.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Roman Originals has a new Petite range, new Ariella and Dusk ranges, plus floral outfits, and Roman Petite and Curve ranges.

George at Asda has women’s and menswear for Christmas occasions and parties, Children in Need Christmas outfits, a new Roksanda and Tickled Pink collaboration clothing ranges, a new collaboration Style Stories with Erica Davies.

Shoe Zone has new AW24 men, women and kids shoes and boots.

Primark has new menswear, makeup, athleisure wear, Halloween outfits, accessories and makeup, and a Beetlejuice movie tie-in, new kids outfits, Leopard print ranges, and a Rita Ora collaboration.

Monsoon has new womenswear for special occasions and children’s Christmas-themed and winter accessories, plus children’s and womenswear ranges and accessories including bags, shoes, boots, jewellery and scarves plus jewellery ranges for AW24.

Cotton Traders has new cosy womenswear and menswear for AW24 including jumpers, cardigans and coats.

Barbour has a Alexa Natalie collaboration, new Flower Mountain collaboration of trainers and clothes, new menswear, plus Modern Heritage ranges of menswear and womenswear for AW24.

Matalan has Christmas women’s eveningwear, Christmas and Winter outfits for the whole family, AW24 men’s tailoring, new kids and adults sleepwear from its Cosy Shop, new AW24 lingerie ranges, shoes and boots for AW, Halloween wear for all the family.

Peacocks has new Christmas jumpers and fashion, new womenswear, a new Louise Redknapp AW and Christmas Edit, a Michael Owen collaboration and new AW24 womenswear and jewellery.

M&S has Christmas clothing, accessories and lingerie sets, Halloween clothing, an AW range with Vernon Kay and AJ Odudu, autumn lingerie, clothing, accessory and jewellery ranges from Autograph, M&S, Jaeger and 3^rd parties for him and her.

Very has a new Michelle Keegan collaboration, new V by Very ranges, Quiet Luxury ranges of womenswear, Everyday, V by Very Curve as well as occasion wear.

Fable England has a Wolf Garden range of clothes, jewellery and bags, a new AW24 collaboration with the National History Museum new jewellery ranges, AW24 small accessories ranges from scarves to purses and AW24 nightwear.

Bonmarché has new lingerie ranges, new jewellery and accessory ranges for Christmas and the winter and AW24 clothing ranges.

F&F has new Christmas campaign imagery, Active Kate Ferdinand collaborations, Xmas ranges including jumpers, coats and party wear in satins, gold and black metallics and sequins.

TK Maxx has its Christmas gift-guides for men, women, kids and pets, plus new menswear and womenswear ranges for AW24 including coats, jackets and hoodies, plus Leopard skin prints t-shirts and skirts.

Iolla has the latest ranges of glasses for him and her.

Betty&Biddy has new jewellery ranges.

River Island has new faux leather and leather ranges, a new range of red and burgundy RI womenswear and accessories, plus menswear and womenswear for the autumn, plus leopard prints.

Accessorize has new AW24 ranges of bags, jewellery and scarves.

Dune London has new women’s boots, shoes, and bag ranges, suitcases and travel luggage, handbags and accessory ranges.

Regatta has new Family Fashion ranges for outdoor wear for women, men and kids for AW24.

Threadbare has a new British Adventure range of womenswear.

Celtic &Co has new statement looks for women.

New Look has new ranges of womenswear including coats, jumpers, skirts and tops.

Scamp & Dude has new womenswear and accessories including t-shirts, bags and scarves, plus news kids ranges, and women's wear ranges for relaxing at home.

Fatface has new Autumn ranges of mens, womens and kidswear and accessories including boots, slippers, perfumes and soaps, scarves, hats, bags and a new jewellery range.

John Lewis has new AW24 menswear and womenswear collections from its Kin, Anyday and JLP collections and new kids wear for AW24.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Joe Browns Dune London Mens Oliver Bonas Rebecca Rhoades Cayo National Trust shop Curvy Kate

Home, garden and food

Primark has new AW24 furniture, homeware, bedding, diffusers and candles and Halloween decorations.

Marks & Spencer has new Fearne Cotton Happy Place range, Christmas homeware including tableware, soft furnishings, candles and  diffusers, Christmas decorations, homeware and bedding ranges, Halloween decorations and a new homeware collaboration with designer Kelly Hoppen.

Treats by Mars has new Galaxy gluten and dairy selection boxes, and new Snickers, M&Ms and Maltesers ranges of goodies.

Matalan has Christmas decorations, a new Connie the Cockapoo range, AW24 soft furnishings and gifts, a new AW Cosy Shop range of bedding and soft furnishings, Christmas bedding ranges and presents for pets.

B&M has new Xmas 2024 gift guides, new Woodland Charm, Japandi and Natural Earth homeware, plus bedding and soft furnishings for AW24, Halloween and Christmas 2024 ranges of decorations, Christmas mugs, cushions, candles, and things for the kitchen and the Christmas dining table. 

Quorn Stone has new natural stone and tumbled herringbone cobbles outdoor ranges, marble ranges for the bathroom and kitchen and Limestone cobbles for outside.

Online Home Shop has new mirrors, cuddle cushions, shaped pillows and bolsters, a selection of bar stools, new Autumn and Winter bedding ranges and themed hoodie blankets for all occasions.

Homesense has new AW24 homeware and Halloween decorations, Christmas gifts and decorations, plus kitchenware ranges aimed at the home and student markets.

George Home has a new Stacey Solomon Christmas, Halloween and Autumn collaborations on  cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

Hobbycraft has new DIY decoration ideas for the Christmas dining table.

Jan Constantine has a new Christmas collection of cushions.

Dobbies Garden Centres has new Christmas ranges including food and drink, trees, decorations and gifts for pets, RHS branded garden gift ranges, Halloween ranges, plus Snow & Sparkles, Magic Woodland, Classic Noel, Colour Pop and Festival Tales Christmas decoration ranges plus autumn homewares, playhouses and garden toys.

Cambridge Imprint has wrapping paper, coffee mugs, storage draws and a new artists' gift range.

TK Maxx has its Christmas gift-guides for the home, plus Beetlejuice-themed Halloween things for the home.

DFS has new Scandi, Coastal and Palm beds, sofas and chair ranges.

Joe Browns has new homeware ranges for Christmas and AW24 including bedding, kitchenware and the Heritage Social, Portobello Bohemian and Off the Floor ranges.

Nest has new Hay collections of lighting and homeware.

Cult Furniture has new sofas, armchairs, TV stands and tables, Arbor kitchen furniture, Bourton office furniture, Boucle and Eco Edit range for indoors.

Next has new Chic, Scandi Collection, Rustic Romance homeware ranges for AW24 including gifts, lighting, furniture and vases, it also has Christmas decorations, gifts and soft furnishings.

See additional new home images from

Home Bargains Sandberg Wallpaper John Lewis BHF Designers Guild National Trust shop Oliver Bonas Arran Sense of Scotland Cutter & Squidge Very The Gluttonous Gardener Dunelm

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Halloween – 29

Days until Black Friday – 58

Days until Christmas – 84
 

How to get your brand on the October media calendars

We’re into autumn, and the nights are starting to draw in, and the heating is probably on.  The media are looking for images that reflect the changes, so anything that looks cosy and warm is good; roaring fires, big jumpers, coats, hats, knitwear, scarfs and wellies in a leaf-strewn outdoors – all the cliches – are what the media are looking for. If you can do some night shots with sparklers, then you’re also ticking the boxes for Bonfire Night next month and Diwali this month. We also have Halloween at the end of the month, so if you can get a pumpkin in your images, then you’re hitting two birds with one stone.   

You should be adding Christmas images, and for those magazines with very long lead times, then start to look for the images of people working off the Christmas excesses for the January issues. 

Don’t forget to add keywords like Gifts, Christmas, Xmas, Autumn, Winter, Halloween, Fireworks night and Bonfire night, as they will be looked for from now. Also, we have a wide audience with media from around the World, so add those American holiday versions e.g. The Holidays, Fall, Pumpkin day, Thanksgiving etc and words like hygge that are starting to enter the language and are associated with the autumn.  

Media will also be searching for party outfits for Halloween, Guy Fawkes, and the office party season - which will soon be with us.  The media are also starting to look for and create Christmas gift guides, so try and be creative, do ones for every eventuality e.g. gifts guides for him/her/mum/dad/kids/teenagers/pets etc also gifts under £150/100/£50 and for guides for secret Santa’s gifts under £20.

Please put prices on everything!!! Otherwise, you stand no chance of getting into any of the features that include “Presents under £50”, “Party dresses for £150” 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.

October Diary - Weeks/Months

October is also known as ‘Stoptober’, which started as a campaign around giving up cigarettes, but is now joined by MacMillans Go Sober for October, so if you have anything non-alcoholic, then get it on PRShots and make sure you add Stoptober and non-alcoholic as keywords.

It’s also Black History Month, Wool Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Menopause Month, Vegetarian Awareness Month, Apple Month, Cookie Month, Spinach Lovers' Month, Pork Month, and National Pasta, Chilli, and Pizza Month.

Fashion and Beauty Weeks and events include- Paris Fashion Week (23^rd Sept - 1^st), Wool Week (29^th Sep – 5^th  Oct), Gran Canaria Swim Week (2^nd- 6^th), British Beauty Week (23^rd-27^th)

British Food Fortnight (17^th Sept - 2^nd Oct)

Work Life Week (7^th- 11^th)

National Curry Week (7^th-13^th - TBC)

National School Lunch week US (14 ^th-18^th)

National Baking Week (14^th-20^th - TBC)

Wrap’s National Recycle Week (14^th-20^th)

National Chocolate Week (15^th-21^st - TBC)

 October - Days

2^nd - Gandhi Jayanthi – The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi - Holiday India

2^nd - 4^th – Rosh HaShanah 

3^rd – Mean Girl’s Day (apparently, it’s a thing right!!)

3^rd – Navaratri Starts (Hindu holiday)

3^rd – National Poetry Day 

4^th – National Vodka Day (US)

4^th – World Animal Day

5^th – UN World Teachers’ Day

6^th – World Smile Day

6^th – Harvest Festival (Sunday nearest to the harvest moon)

6^th - National Plus Size Appreciation Day

7^th – National LED Light Day

10^th – UN World Mental Health Day

10^th – National Cake Decorating Day

11^th – Yom Kippur 

11^th – National Coming Out Day (UK/US)

12^th – Navaratri Ends (Hindu holiday)

12^th – Vijayadashami/Dussehra Hindu festival 

13^th – National Yorkshire Pudding Day (US)

13^th – National No Bra Day

16^th – First Day of Sukkot 

16^th – UN World Food Day

16^th – Department store day

18^th – National Chocolate Cup Cake Day (US)

18^th – World Menopause Day

19^th – International Gin & Tonic Day

20^th – National Office Chocolate Day (US)

22^nd-23^rd – Hoshana Rabbah 

23^rd – Last Day of Sukkot 

23^rd-25^th – Shemini Atzeret

24^th-25^th - Simchat Torah  

25^th – World Pasta Day

25^th – 2 months until Christmas Day

26^th – National Pumpkin Day

27^th – National American Beer Day

27^th – Global Champagne Day

28^th – National Chocolate Day (US)

29^th – National Cat Day (US)

27^th – Clocks go back tonight 

31^st – Halloween

31^st  – Diwali 

NB - All dates have been checked, but some events may change due to unforeseen circumstances or have not been fully confirmed for 2024 by the authorities controlling the event(s). 

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