Main Image: Lipsy

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Frasers, Wickes, Boots, Calvin Klein, Applegreen, Elizabeth Arden, Damart, Levi’s, Whole Foods, Howdens and Tesco. Plus how department stores are enhancing customer loyalty, 32 TikTok tools to boost your marketing strategy and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Frasers enters new retail partnership

Frasers Group has entered a new strategic retail partnership with global distributor GMG to help grow Sports Direct in international markets.

Online sales help February sales figures

BDO figures show total like-for-like sales grew by 2.3% in February mostly driven by online sales with in-store sales growing by just 1.2%.

‘Encouraging’ signs for UK economy as business confidence rebounds

Business confidence rebounded rapidly in February, according to a new survey, with firms increasingly optimistic about the health of the economy.

Wickes acquires four ex-Homebase UK stores

Wickes has acquired the leases of four former Homebase units in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, Leeds Moor Allerton and Northampton.

Prospective Boots buyer eyes split of group

Boots’ prospective buyer Sycamore Partners is planning to separate the UK retail pharmacy business from its US and healthcare arm if its bid is successful.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How department stores worldwide are enhancing customer loyalty

The International Association of Department Stores (IADS), representing around 15 global retailers, highlights the latest CRM strategies shaping the industry.

32 TikTok tools to boost your marketing strategy in 2025

Do you market your business on TikTok? If so, you’ll need Hootsuite’s box of trusted TikTok Tools to help you design, strategize, and work efficiently.

A guide to Threads for marketers

Threads is more than a Twitter alternative. Hootsuite explores its latest features, from custom feeds to post-scheduling, and see if it’s right for you.

5 common LinkedIn Ads mistakes and how to fix them

Are your LinkedIn Ads underperforming? You might be making these errors. Martech helps you fix your targeting, ad formats, and measurement for better ROI.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Tesco names new leader for F&F

Tesco has appointed H&M executive Katja Ahola Klamkin to run its F+F clothing and home business.

Ex-Poundland boss Austin Cooke joins Howdens

Former Poundland managing director Austin Cooke has joined kitchens specialist Howdens as its new managing director for trade.

BRAND NEWS

Whole Foods to open first new UK store in a decade next month

Whole Foods Market will open the doors to its first new UK store in a decade as it ramps up its London presence with a store in Kings Road.

Calvin Klein launches first-ever shapewear collection

Calvin Klein announced the launch of Calvin Klein Shapewear, debuting a range of foundation and fashion styles.

Elizabeth Arden taps Ines de La Fressange as brand ambassador

New York beauty brand Elizabeth Arden has tapped French supermodel Ines de La Fressange as a brand ambassador.

Applegreen to open 20 new M&S Food stores in Ireland this year

Applegreen, the Irish roadside hospitality brand, is open 20 new M&S Food stores this year as part of a major expansion of its partnership.

Damart launches retail expansion

Online and catalogue womenswear brand Damart has announced its expansion into stores, beginning with a concession within British Garden Centres in Morpeth on 1 March.

Levi’s unveils new Beyoncé collaboration at Selfridges

Denim fashion and lifestyle brand Levi's has unveiled the latest instalment of its collaboration with Beyoncé as it "elevates" its wholesale strategy with new Selfridges partnership.

AND FINALLY

Umbro unveils a chainmail football kit

Umbro has partnered with Slam Jam again on a range of clothing for the field and the terraces including a medieval chainmail shirt.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending February 21^st 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Denim

3/ Vase

4/ Easter

5/ Mother’s Day

6/ Kitchen

7/ Cushion

8/ Candle

9/ Green  

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

Oriana B.  was launched in 2019 by Dublin-based Londoner Katharine Deas sourcing and selling unique furniture online, having pivoted from a 25-year international corporate career to pursue her love of design. Oriana B products include furniture, lampshades, lights, lamps, and mirrors.

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 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

F&F has new Abbey Clancy top picks for the spring.

Roman Originals has new Curve ranges, big pattern and denim SS25 womenswear imagery and new Petite imagery.

New Look has new SS25 clothing and more new winter outfits, winter and occasion wear outfits for women, plus ranges of womenswear including coats, jumpers, skirts and tops.

Primark has a new band t-shirt music drop, Keith Haring & Basquiat collaboration, new Kappa athleisure wear, beauty ranges, bridal ranges of lingerie and shoes, St Patricks Day outfits, new denim ranges, kids pyjamas ranges, a Kem collaboration, a new Pau Eche (Paula Echevarría) collaboration.

Oliver Bonas has new March, April and May 2025 uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for SS25 and Mother’s Day gifting.

M&S has new men’s formal wear, men and women’s Autograph underwear, plus women’s wear collections, Kidswear, Per Una ranges, baby clothing ranges, Autograph clothing and accessory ranges, womenswear clothes and accessories.

Barbour has new collaborations with Alexa, 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.

Matalan has a Peter Rabbit and Bluey collaboration of kidswear, new Et Vous Spring women’s ranges, a men’s Smart edit, new bag ranges, new nightwear & lingerie, costume ranges for kids, women and menswear for the spring, clothing for the family for Eid, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit.

Monsoon has new women’s and kids clothing for the summer, new sandals for the beach, plus new jewellery and bags for women and kids, new wedding outfit shoes and dresses.

George at Asda has a new kidswear, Style Stories Kat Farmer Studio Edit collaboration, new Modern World collection and a Studio Edit of womenswear, bridal collection, Style Stories by Erica Davies and G21 Maisie Smith collection ranges, new Gym Locker activewear ranges.

Lipsy has new Love & Roses clothing and bridal ranges for SS25.

Threadbare has new SS25 womenswear and menswear ranges.

Frangipani has new menswear and jewellery.

Very has new clothes for Mother’s Day, a 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.

Fable England has new Alice’s Garden, Running Bunny and Bunny Blues jewellery and bags, Wonderland ranges of bags and scarves, plus new accessories and core jewellery ranges.

River Island has a new Arm Candy bags, Ready for the Races line of clothes, shoes and accessories, Editor Approved Tailoring, a new Check Mate range, new women’s denim clothing and accessories ranges in blue, black and white, plus Black, Brown, Blue Stripe and Butter Yellow-themed ranges.

Scamp & Dude has a new collaboration with Sabrina Elba for SS25, plus new leopard print dresses.

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.

London Grace has new nail polish ranges.

Crew Clothing has new menswear and womenswear ranges of clothes and accessories for the spring and summer.

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.

Tu Clothing has new SS25 womenswear ranges of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

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.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Celtic &Co Bonmarché Regatta TK Maxx Deichmann Fatface Sims Wear Saywood Dune London Mens Joe Browns John Lewis Lola Starr

Home, garden and food

Dobbies Garden Centres has Mother’s Day 2025 gifts, office and home houseplants, garden tool ranges, homeware, pet ranges, kids garden toys, a Get Set for Spring Range, new Heritage range of outdoor gardening items including throws and firepits.

Oliver Bonas has new homeware ranges for the kitchen, dining room and lounge, plus furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for SS25.

B&M has Easter themed cookware and dining decorations, everything pet related from food to car seats, new bathroom accessories, bedding, luggage, new Mother’s Day gifts, seasonal candle, diffusers, cushions and throws for SS25, new Washed Ashore and Coastal furniture ranges.

Jan Constantine has new throws and cushion ranges for Mother’s Day.

Online Home Shop has new curtains, cushions, duvet covers and throws, plus storage solutions, side tables and chest of drawers, rugs and bedding.

The Gluttonous Gardener has new remembrance plants, plus flower ranges for the spring and summer.

Primark has new luggage, tableware, furniture, storage, towels, bedding, plus Easter gifts plus soft furnishings, furniture and homeware for SS25.

Home Bargains has new travel ranges of luggage and Easter decorations, things for garden entertaining, new home exercise accessories, Mediterranean and Travellers Bazaar ranges, homeware from SS25 for the bedroom, bathroom and living rooms.

Jellycat has a new Amuseables range of animals, flowers and food, plus books and the cuddliest soft toys and bags for SS25.

M&S has new homeware including furniture, lighting, bedding and tableware, Mother’s Day beauty boxes, new wash bags beauty and wellness ranges, Ultimate bedding sets, makeup ranges, SS25 Boho, Classic and Exquisite Earth furniture and homeware ranges, new gifts, new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25.

John Lewis has new Modern and Classic homeware collections of rugs, beds, mirrors, furniture, soft furnishings, tableware and accessories for SS25.

Sofology has new SS25 furniture ranges, including sofas, chairs and stools plus furniture for the lounge in bright spring colours.

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.

Cambridge Imprint has new lined exercise and hardback books, stamps, Easter 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.

Fritz Fryer has new kitchen lighting, plus new lantern and pendant lighting ranges.

Very has new beauty ranges, cameras, diffusers and candles.

Furniture Village has new furniture ranges for the bedroom, dining room, office, and lounge.

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

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.

Ivyline has new garden furniture, firepits, trellising, plant pots, planters, citronella candles, fountains and storage for the garden.

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 Mother’s Day and other events.

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

Designers Guild Cutter & Squidge Regatta TK Maxx Hobbycraft Nest Cult Furniture

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Mother’s Day - 30

Days until Easter – 51

Days until Father’s Day - 107

Days until Christmas Day - 300
 

How to get your brand in the media in March

March is mostly about preparing for the big Easter holidays next month, so make sure you are starting to include relevant Easter keywords. 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.

At the end of the month, there’s Mother’s Day, so try to get Mother, gifts, or Mother’s Day into your keywords for anything that seems appropriate. Also, if you have anything green, add the Keyword St Patrick's Day.

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) and for home it’s all about Spring cleaning and updating for Spring.   

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 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.

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 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. It’s also Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Walk All Over Cancer Month, Endometriosis Awareness Month, Brain Tumour Awareness Month, Women’s History Month.  

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;

Paris Fashion Week (3^rd Mar – 11^th Mar)

British Pie Week (3^rd-9^th) 

British Science Week (7^th-16^th)

Butchers Week (10^th-16^th) 

English Tourism Week (14^th – 23^rd)

National Fragrance Week (17^th-23^rd)

Bridal Fashion Week (23^rd-24^th)

The Big Walk and Wheel (24^th – 4^th April) 

Ideal Home Show (Mar 21^st – 6^th Apr)

March - Days

1^st – Brit Awards 

1^st – St David’s Day

2^nd – Dr Seuss Day (US)

2^nd – The Oscars 

3^rd – World Wildlife Day

3^rd – World Hearing Day

4^th – World Obesity Day

4^th – Dog product searches peak ahead of Crufts

4^th – Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday

5^th – Ash Wednesday 

6^th – Crufts begins 

6^th – World Book Day 

8^th – International Women’s Day

9^th – Made in UK Day

9^th - Quadragesima 

10^th – Commonwealth Day 

12^th – No Smoking Day

14^th – World Sleep Day

14^th – Holi Hindu Festival 

17^th – St Patrick’s Day

17^th – Maundy Thursday 

18^th – Global Recycling Day

20^th – First Day of Spring

21^st – International Day of Forests

21^st - Red Nose Day for Comic Relief

21^st – World Poetry Day

22^nd – World Water Day

22^nd – Easter egg searches rise

23^rd – Gardening searches rise

25^th – National Bridesmaids Day

26^th – Five years since the first lockdown started in the UK in 2020

28^th – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research) 

30^th - Mother’s Day UK 

30^th – British Summertime Begins

30^th – Eid al-Fitr / End 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).