Main Image: Oliver Bonas

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Boots, Asos, HMV, Very, Adidas, Greggs, Iceland, B&Q, Ann Summers, Burberry, M&S and John Lewis. Plus eight digital and marketing trends, the latest online strategies for reducing return rates and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Boots owner Walgreens inches closer to $10bn takeover

Boots owner Walgreens is closing in on a sale deal with private equity firm Sycamore Partners and an agreement could be reached as soon as Thursday.

Adidas' profit and sales outlook disappoints

Adidas said it should reach between €1.7-1.8bn operating profit in 2025, lower than the €2.1bn analysts had expected.

M&S among winners as Brits spend nearly £1bn on Valentine’s Day

Retailers took home nearly £1bn in sales linked to Valentine’s Day 2025, according to February spending data from NIQ.

Evening commute is 'sweet spot' for Greggs as it eyes late-night sales

Greggs has identified the evening commute as a “sweet spot” for new sales as it eyes further opportunities for trading later in the day.

Iceland’s EV rollout not ‘happening fast enough’

Iceland Foods boss Richard Walker admitted that the retailer missed its internal targets to transition its fleet to electric vehicles (EVs).

Asda’s market share plunges as Aldi and Lidl gain pace

Asda’s flagging fortunes have carried further into the new year, with sales at the supermarket falling 5% in the 12 weeks to 23 February.

On Holding's full-year and Q4 results

Swiss sports shoe business On Holding FY24 sales were up 29.4% to CHF2.318bn (£2.049bn) with adjusted EBITDA up 40% to CHF387.6m (£342.66m).

B&Q boosts hourly wages to among highest in retail

B&Q has cemented its position among the UK’s highest-paying retailers after bumping its hourly pay rate by 50p per hour.

Ann Summers complains to CMA about impact of Google Safe Search on its visibility

Ann Summers has complained to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that Google was “distorting” its market by virtually blacklisting the website with its SafeSearch feature.

EU delays sustainability compliance rules

The European Commission has confirmed it will delay the deadline for companies to comply with the new corporate sustainability laws until 2028.

Retailers shift Chinese production to bypass US tariffs

Drapers hears from UK fashion suppliers about how retailers are mitigating the additional costs by moving production from China to Vietnam, Bangladesh and India to avoid Trump’s new tariffs.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Eight digital and marketing trends

From pragmatism to personality, we look at some attributes (and trends therein) that might define marketing and digital in 2025.

The latest ecommerce strategies for reducing return rates

Michaela Weber, interim GM EMEA at BigCommerce, discusses the ways retailers can tackle returns while still easing the path to purchase for consumers.

How B2B marketing is becoming a strategic growth driver

From brand storytelling to demand gen, data is the common thread. See how AI and analytics are unifying all aspects of B2B tech marketing.

How far can John Lewis push it in fashion?

John Lewis is a brand that forgot its stores under previous chair Dame Sharon White, new boss Peter Ruis is in charge and is leading a retail renaissance – hopefully.

How to do social media competitor analysis

A social media competitor analysis will help you identify gaps in your strategy and stay one step ahead of everyone else. Hootsuite shows you how.

How digital natives changed the game on legacy media

TikTok, YouTube and Substack have rewritten the rules of media, leaving legacy outlets scrambling to survive.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Burberry ecommerce boss departs

Burberry's SVP of digital commerce, Suzanne Egleton, has left the business after nearly three years.

BRAND NEWS

Boots launches advantage card incentive to encourage recycling

Boots has launched a new Advantage Card campaign, encouraging its consumers to recycle their empty beauty products.

ASOS launches new premium brand

ASOS has launched a new premium brand called Arrange with a capsule collection of occasion dresses and “luxe essentials”.

HMV enjoys sales boost following BRIT Awards

HMV has seen its album and vinyl sales jump following the BRIT Awards at the weekend. HMV owner Doug Putman is reported to be one of several interested parties in acquiring WHSmith.

The Very Group names the National Literacy Trust as its new charity partner

The Very Group, the operator of Very and Littlewoods, has announced that the National Literacy Trust will be its charity partner for the next three years.

AND FINALLY x2

Schuh turns post-consumer waste into shop fixtures

Schuh has partnered with Conscious Creative Unit and waste design studio Are You Mad to transform waste materials, such as donated footwear into its shop fixtures.

Adidas has sold its last pair of Yeezys

Adidas has sold its last remaining pair of Yeezy trainers in the Q4, ending the process of liquidating stock of the shoe line developed with rapper Ye.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending February 28^th 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Mother’s Day

3/ Easter

4/ Denim

5/ Garden

6/ Cushion

7/ Kitchen

8/ Tray

9/ Lamp  

10/ Shoes

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

Laura Bond was started by Laura and her husband Doug, and has been independent and family owned since 2019. They create jewellery and specialise in ear and nose piercings and use responsibly sourced or recycled solid gold.

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

Iolla has new ranges of frames and glasses based on nostalgia for a Scottish coastal summer.

TK Maxx has new menswear and women’s wear ranges for the summer.

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.

M&S has new casual and formal menswear ranges, plus men’s and women’s Collection ranges of clothes and accessories including bags, shoes and jewellery, plus men and women’s Autograph underwear, plus women’s wear collections, Kidswear, Per Una ranges and baby clothing ranges.

B&M has new children’s fancy dress costumes for World Book Day.

Dune London has new bag charms, clutch bags, handbags and belts, bridal shoe ranges for casual to posh weddings, and new shoes, bags and accessories for early 2025.

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

Barbour has new rainwear ranges, new collaborations with Alexa, Erdem and To Ki To, plus Chapter One collections, new clothing ranges, plus accessories for your pets.

Primark has new childrenswear, 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 and new denim ranges.

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.

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.

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

River Island has new perfume ranges, 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.

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.

Matalan has a new baby range, 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.

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.

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

London Grace has new nail polish ranges.

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

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 Deichmann Fatface Sims Wear Saywood Dune London Mens Joe Browns John Lewis Lola Starr

Home, garden and food

Dunelm has a new Sophie Robinson summer dining collaboration, plus new furniture and homeware,  new colour drench ranges, and its SS25 range of bedroom and living room furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware.

B&M has garden decorations and Easter themed gifts, 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.

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.

Treats by Mars has new M&M movie kits, Galaxy Pink Hot Chocolate ranges, plus more Snickers and Galaxy ranges. 

Quorn Stone has new Frome white stone, Orwell Natural Porcelain Stone, and Chastleton Ivory Stone and Natural Tiles, plus Alnwick Ivory and Provenca Crema marble and tiles for the kitchen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hotel Chocolat has new Velvetiser ranges, alcoholic drinks and chocolates for Mother’s Day and other events.

See additional new home images from

Designers Guild Regatta TK Maxx Hobbycraft Nest Cult Furniture

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Mother’s Day - 25

Days until Easter – 46

Days until Father’s Day - 102

Days until Christmas Day - 295
 

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

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).