Main Image: Matalan

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Asda, Debenhams, DaisyFace, Mango, Super.Mkt, Ruggable, Accessorize and John Lewis. Plus, a content optimisation checklist for Seo, simple steps to create a social media audit and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Mike Ashley data request ‘stonewalled’ in HMRC dispute

Mike Ashley was “met with a complete stone wall” after his request for personal data following a demand from HMRC for £13.6m in additional taxes, the High Court has heard.

Asda stares down refinancing challenge

Asda is at risk of being forced to refinance its multi-billion pound debt pile ahead of a steep repayment owed to former owner Walmart.

Retail sales slide ahead of key festive period

Retail sales figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show total sales dropped 3.3% in November, against a growth of 2.6% in the same month last year.

Interest in Black Friday online was highest since 2020

Ahead of official Black Friday UK trading figures, consumer enthusiasm for the event’s deals was set to reach the highest level since 2020.

Debenhams said it won the online search battle on Black Friday

Debenhams management said it was the “only” clothes retailer “to trend on Google for an impressive 17 consecutive hours” over the Black Friday period.

Ipsos confirms Kantar Media takeover talks

Ipsos has confirmed it is considering a potential acquisition of Kantar Media in a deal that could be valued at around £1bn.

Black Friday UK footfall Shows shoppers ready to spend

RetailNext footfall figures for Black Friday were up 40.5% week-on-week with visits to clothing stores up 0.3% year-on-year and up 54.1% compared to the week before.

Overall November retail sales weak for fashion

BDO tracker figures for November show the discretionary spend categories fell 5.3%, with online fashion figures down 8% compared to Nov 2023.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Why fashion brands need digital wholesale

A practical guide to the adoption of digital wholesale, highlighting the concept of Direct-to-Buyer (DTB) e-commerce as a solution for fashion brands.

A content optimisation checklist for SEO

The best content for search engines and humans places keywords and concepts strategically and naturally on a page.

Simple steps to create a social media audit

A social media audit is the best way to review and improve any social marketing strategy. Hootsuite’s free checklist and template make it easy.

How to build AI strategies that prioritise people

Don’t forget the human element in your AI strategy. Here’s why soft skills and inclusive strategies are key to organisational readiness.

4 next-generation variety retailers making waves

Despite the collapse of Woolworths and more recently Wilko there is still life in the variety store as a new wave of lifestyle retailers hit the expansion trail.

Marks & Spencer design head on incoming fashion trends

FashionUnited talks with M&S’s head of design for womenswear, Lisa Illis, who looks at the trends to look out for in the coming year.

Three steps to driving loyalty with the right customers

Why retailers need to break the cycle of one-day sales like Black Friday and instead look to ways to devise and launch a more targeted strategy to drive loyalty with the right customers.

BRAND NEWS

New plant-powered skincare brand DaisyFace debuts

A new plant-powered skincare brand DaisyFace that combines the power of Daisy Stem Cells with multi-tasking formulations has launched for the first time.

Charity Super.Mkt eyes more locations amid preloved clothing boom

Charity Super.Mkt will open dozens of new stores across the UK next year to cater to the growing demand for second hand items.

Mango achieves 2024 US expansion goals ahead of schedule

Mango has achieved its goal of having 40 company owned stores in the US by the end of 2024 ahead of schedule.

Ruggable is opening its first physical store-in-store inside John Lewis

Ruggable is to open a concession store inside the John Lewis store on Oxford Street, the first of its kind for the brand worldwide.

Accessorize partners with Deliveroo

Accessorize has joined Hurr and Ann Summers in partnering with Deliveroo for same-day delivery of its goods.

Primark brings new store concept to the UK as it eyes further global expansion opportunities

Fashion giant Primark has opened the doors to a new store in Bolton that brings its new store concept to the UK for the first time as it eyes further opportunities in new markets.

Temu shortens delivery times as it taps UK-based suppliers

Temu will ramp up its roster of UK-based suppliers in a bid to shorten delivery times, as it ramps up pressure on high-street competitors.

Sephora opens seventh UK store

Sephora has opened its seventh bricks-and-mortar store in the UK at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, as the beauty emporium continues its rollout across the country since its relaunch in 2022.

AND FINALLY

thortful launches “No Crap Presents Please” Christmas Cards

thortul, has launched the world’s first ‘No Crap Presents Please’ pre-Christmas cards, encouraging a shift from unnecessary gifts to heartfelt messages.

The British Fashion Awards in pictures

Among those picking up awards at the event at the Royal Albert Hall were Tom Ford, ASAP Rocky and Jonathan Anderson.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending November 29^th 2024?

1/ Christmas

2/ AW24

3/ Leopard

4/ SS25

5/ Cushion

6/ Sequin

7/ Candle

8/ Home

9/ Dress  

10/ Jumper

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Ernest Jones the jewellers came from modest beginnings, launched in 1949 it has grown from a single store in London's Oxford Street to a national chain of 100+ jewellery stores.

H Samuel is a jeweller with a long history. Started in 1862 the brand continues to this day with a mix of jewellery and watches, that are affordable and feature trend-led styles.

Curlsmith was launched in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength. It was born out of a community of people with textured hair sharing their haircare tips, home remedies and frustrations with products on the market not made specifically for their needs and has grown into a product range sold worldwide.

Frangipani was established in 2010 and produces men’s shirts and accessories crafted from high-quality materials and featuring bold prints or subtle contrasts. With each shirt embodying a perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

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.

Saywood was created in 2020 by Harriet Saywood-Bellisario, who graduated from the London College of Fashion before working at Paul Smith, Richard Nicoll and Label/Mix. The brand specialises in beautiful edits of wardrobe essentials and classics contemporised with unexpected details made to be worn and re-worn.

Jellycat is the brand of the moment and has been around for a quarter of a century. Over this time, their unmistakable characters have gained the affection of millions across 77 countries.

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

Very has new V by very ranges of clothes and footwear including metallics, sequins and faux fur, a new Michelle Keegan collaboration, new Grinch-themed pyjamas for all the family, stocking filler accessories, and partywear ranges.

Barbour has new ranges of clothing and accessories for SS25 for men and women and new range of gift accessories for Christmas.

Bonmarché has new Christmas outfits, jumpers and partywear, lingerie ranges, new jewellery plus accessory ranges.

M&S has new thermal shaping bodies, wellness products for January, menswear and womenswear from its Christmas adverts, a Bella Freud bag collaboration, the Christmas beauty advent calendar, party outfits for all the family, Christmas clothing, accessories and lingerie sets.

John Lewis has new Dream Dress Edit featuring Whistles, Sister Jane, Reiss, Phase Eight and more  clothing ranges for women, plus clothing and accessory gift ideas for all ages for Christmas.

Primark a new Rita Ora occasion wear collaboration of clothing, a new accessory and ski range plus new shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories, and new tie-ups with Wicked and The Grinch.

National Trust has new accessories including socks, hats, jewellery, scarves, bags and sunglasses for SS25.

River Island has new spring lookbook images a Christmas Gift Guide and Christmas jumpers, plus new Premium and Winter Reds collections, along with party outfits and accessories for the Christmas season for men, women and children.

Oliver Bonas has new February uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for the New Year and SS25.

Matalan has a new menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright, new last-minute Christmas gifts, transitional ranges, Valentine pyjamas, a new Disney and Lilo and Stitch Stitchmas collaboration, a menopause lingerie range plus a new collaboration with The Lion King, Marvel, and Paddington.

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

Roman Originals has more AW24 imagery, new Petite, Curve and Dusk campaign ranges of womenswear for cosy evenings and big events, new nightwear ranges with pyjamas and cosy dressing gowns.

Cotton Traders has new SS25 outfits, Christmas jumpers, cosy womenswear and menswear for AW24 including jumpers, cardigans and coats.

Fable England has new core jewellery ranges.

TK Maxx has SS25 clothing, accessory and makeup ranges including crochet outfits, Christmas gift-guides for men, women, kids and pets, plus new menswear and womenswear ranges including coats, jackets and hoodies.

Monsoon has new designer ranges, plus clothes, shoes, boots, bags and accessories for Christmas, new edits for women and kids, bags, shoes, jewellery and accessories.

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

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

Fatface has a new Copper & Black range of womenswear, new menswear, and kids clothing, plus Christmas clothing, accessories and jewellery for all the family plus gifts for under £50, plus more AW24 Edit ranges of womenswear. 

Celtic &Co has new Christmas accessories, jumpers and cosy outfits from the winter.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Scamp & Dude Peachaus Dune London Accessorize London Grace Deichmann Shoe Zone Online Home Shop

Home, garden and food

Online Home Shop has new side tables and chest of drawers, rugs, bedding, foot warmers, hot water bottles, heated pads, body wraps, plus bar stools, mirrors, cuddle cushions, shaped pillows and bolsters.

National Trust has new gifts for the home and the garden for SS25, plus decorations for Easter.

M&S has a new Nordic notes Christmas decoration ranges, National Gallery collaboration, stocking filler Christmas images and new Fearne Cotton Happy Place range, Christmas homeware including tableware, soft furnishings, candles and diffusers, Christmas decorations, homeware and bedding ranges.

Oliver Bonas has new furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for the New Year and SS25.

John Lewis has new home gift ideas for Christmas.

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

Dunelm has a new Sophie Robinson collaboration and its SS25 range of bedroom and living room furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware.

Sofology has new SS25 Serene, Premiere and Westwood ranges of sofas, chairs and recliners.

Fritz Fryer has new antique lighting ranges, kitchen lighting ranges, as well as lamps and lights for every room in the home.

TK Maxx has a new 1960s-inspired summer range of kitchenware and furniture for the office, plus new gifting ranges, a wellness range for the New Year, Christmas gift-guides for the home.

Designers Guild has new Studio Stripes patterns for SS25.

Jan Constantine has new cushions for SS25 and Valentine’s day.

Ivyline has new planters, pots for its indoor living ranges.

Cult Furniture has a new collaboration with Daniela Tasca.

Fatface has a collaboration with homeless charity Shelter, Christmas decorations for the Christmas tree and homeware gifts.

George Home has a new Christmas decorations for the tree, tableware, soft furnishings and trees, Stacey Solomon Christmas and Autumn collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

Primark has new Wicked and Grinch themed gifts for kids and pets, furniture, Christmas decorations and homeware gifts, AW24 furniture, homeware, bedding, diffusers and candles.

Matalan has SS25 homeware images for the dining room, bedroom, bathroom and garden, plus Christmas gifts and 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.

Treats by Mars has new Galaxy ranges of hot chocolate. 

Cutter & Squidge has a new boxed cookie range.

Homesense has new Christmas gift ideas for family and pets as well as new Christmas decorations.

See additional new home images from

Hobbycraft The Gluttonous Gardener Arran Sense of Scotland Monsoon Habitat Home Bargains Very B&M Rebel Walls Dobbies Garden Centres Cambridge Imprint

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Christmas – 22

Days until Valentine’s Day – 73

Days until Easter - 138
 

How to get your brand in the media in December

Christmas is nearly over by now for the media; there are just a few dailies, weeklies, websites and influencers doing last-minute gift guides for Christmas but for most print media it’s the New Year, and what’s happening in 2025.  

You should be uploading SS25 outfits and home goods for those “A new you for 2025” and “Redecorate for 2025” issues, so athleisure, outdoor healthy sporty images will all be useful, plus anything for the home. 

As always don’t forget to add keywords – New Year, Gifts, Spring, Christmas, Xmas, Holidays, Winter plus all those words beloved of home magazines like cosy, cosiness, hygge, wellbeing.

Clothing wise the media are still looking for going out outfits for Christmas and New Year, so party wear, party dresses, nightwear and also winter clothing like jumpers, scarves, bobble hats, beanies, cardigans, coatigans, jackets, coats are still being looked for. So, make sure that you have plenty of images in those categories uploaded and labelled with as many of those words as you can.

You can also start to look at holiday clothing and outfits for when the weather gets a little warmer so make sure SS25 is flagged on your drops even if they’re not yet available until 2025 – If they’re not on sale until Jan or Feb then use the On Sale date field to flag this up. You can either add a specific date, 2/2/25 or if you’re not sure then you can use the text “available first week in Feb.”  

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.

December Diary - Weeks/Months

December is all about Christmas and New Year events, but it’s also AIDS Awareness Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Decembeard, and No Gender December.

Additionally, the 1st week (2nd-6th) is UK Charity Week, and Kwanzaa (26th - 1st Jan).

December Diary - Days

3^rd – National day of giving (US) 

6^th – St Nicholas Day

7^th – Returns will start to come back from Black Friday sales – be ready for them

7^th – UK Small Business Saturday

10^th – Human Rights Day

12^th – Christmas Jumper Day (See https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day)

18^th – Stilton Day

19^th – National Regifting Day 

21^st – Winter Solstice 

21^st – Super Saturday/Panic Saturday

25^th – Christmas Day

25^th – Hanukkah begins

26^th – Boxing Day

31^st – New Year’s Eve

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).