Main Image: Peacocks

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Waterstones, Aldi, Lidl, Laura Ashley, End Clothing, Hush, Sainsbury’s, Nobody’s Child, H&M and Barbour. Plus, the brands that succeeded in 2024, ten hot retail brands to watch in 2025 and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Waterstones plans dozens of new stores for 2025

Waterstones CEO James Daunt says the chain plans to open dozens of new bookshops this year following “solid Christmas” trading.

Aldi hails ‘best ever’ Christmas as customers trade up

Aldi has recorded its best-ever Christmas with sales hitting £1.6bn in the four weeks to Christmas Eve, as shoppers traded up over the period.

Evri delivered record 173m parcels over Christmas

Evri has reported its “best-ever” Christmas and peak trading period, delivering a record-breaking 173m parcels in the nine weeks to 28 Dec – a 12% increase on the previous year.

UK economy to stage ‘welcome recovery’

KPMG predicts UK GDP will increase by 1.7% over 2025, double the 0.8% expansion anticipated for 2024, thanks to falling interest rates and greater government spending.

Shein and Temu summoned to face MPs over employment rights

Fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu are set to be grilled by a parliamentary committee as part of an ongoing probe into employment rights.

Laura Ashley acquired by Ben Sherman owner Marquee Brands

Laura Ashley has been acquired by US brand accelerator Marquee Brands. With Laura Ashley’s UK-based team retained as part of a strategy to expand Marquee Brands’ global footprint.

London Designer Outlet hails 2024 ‘bumper’ year

London Designer Outlet (LDO) saw its sales increase by 5% to over £103m in 2024 as it benefited from a 2% rise in footfall to over 5.4m visits.

Barbour profits rise 15%

Barbour turnover fell 6% to £322m for the year to 30 Apr 2024. However, operating profits were up 15% to £39.5m, thanks to effective cost-saving measures and favourable foreign exchange rates.

End Clothing plunges £43m into the red after warehouse troubles

End Clothing’s parent company Ashworth & Parker sales fell 3.8% to £212.7m for the year to April 2024 and posted a pre-tax loss of £43m, down from a £9m profit in 2023.

Hush has another disappointing year but eyes expansion

Hush turnover was down to £52m from £62m with an operating loss of £7.9m down from a profit of £1.4m blaming the ongoing cost of living crisis for a significant impact on the womenswear market.

Lidl's British sales up 7%

Lidl saw a 7% rise in sales to over £1bn – a record figure for the Christmas period  – in the four weeks to Dec 24 , thanks to a high demand for holiday staples.

December footfall is given a boost

Footfall across all retail destinations jumped 7.1% in December from November, with shopping centres seeing the largest boost  13.2% with retail parks up 5.7% and high streets up 4.8%.

Uniqlo, Gymshark and Lush have stopped hiring through gig economy apps

Uniqlo, Gymshark and Lush, have stopped using freelance retail workers through apps, after facing fierce criticism from unions.

Stylist and The Beano publisher DC Thomson moves to a profit

DC Thomson, the publishing group behind the likes of Stylist, Press & Journal has moved to a profit of £93.8m from a £161m loss for the year to 31 Mar, but revenues fell from £161.4m to £153.8m.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Which retail categories enjoyed a bumper year and which ones struggled?

To find out which sectors are feeling very merry going into the new year, and which had a tougher time in 2024, we asked retail data experts CACI to track how spend has shifted this year

Ten hot retail brands to watch in 2025

Retail Week shines a spotlight on the top 10 brands to keep an eye on in 2025.

What will UK retail look like in 2035?

What could change for retail over the next decade? Retail Week takes a look into the future and predicts where retail will be in ten years' time.

What influencer marketing budgets should look like in 2025

Vogue Business talks to retail insiders to break down what brands’ influencer marketing priorities should be this year.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Hugo Boss appoints new senior vice president of global marketing

Hugo Boss has appointed James Foster as senior vice president of global marketing.  Foster joins from Netflix where he was responsible for marketing.

BRAND NEWS

Sainsbury's Tu partners with dancer Oti Mabuse on activewear collection

Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing has partnered up with Oti Mabuse, to launch a 'collection of activewear and luxe loungewear apparel' for its new brand, Reaktiv.

Nobody's Child launches debut bridal edit

London-based fashion label, Nobody’s Child, has launched its debut bridal collection. Each of the 12 styles is designed with “modern love stories” in mind, marrying romantic and trending silhouettes.

H&M latest edit, campaign, takes in activewear, beauty and home

H&M Move, together with H&M Beauty and H&M Home has launched “the Wellness Edit created to capture all senses”.

British Beauty Council appoints first Wellbeing Ambassador

The British Beauty Council has named British-American model and founder of MAY Botanicals, Georgia May Jagger, as its first Wellbeing Ambassador.

AND FINALLY x2

Designer Rosita Missoni, pioneer of coloured knitwear, dies aged 93

Italian designer Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the eponymous fashion house known for its bright and patterned styles, died on Thursday at the age of 93, a company official said.

Hollywood stars glitter at Golden Globes

Hollywood's top stars on Sunday made their first major fashion statements of this year's awards season at the Golden Globes, and the looks did not disappoint.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending January 3^rd 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Valentine

3/ Leopard

4/ Wedding

5/ Beauty

6/ Mocha

7/ Wellness

8/ Home

9/ Shoes  

10/ Lingerie

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 new SS25 Petite imagery, more AW24 imagery for Petite, Curve and Dusk ranges of womenswear for day wear and for big events.

Peacocks has a new Michael Owen and Louise Redknapp SS25 Edit, new SS25 clothing, jumpers and fashion, Caprice and Grinch pyjama collections, new womenswear.

Monsoon has new bridal wear plus SS25 womenswear ranges including holiday and beachwear, plus new wedding outfit shoes and dresses.

Celtic &Co has new clothing, sandals, shoes, scarves, and accessories for SS25.

Joe Browns has new SS25 clothing for men and women plus shoes, boots, jewellery and accessories including purses, bags and shopping baskets.

Bonmarché has Valentines outfits, new Dash SS25 clothing ranges, jumpers and partywear, lingerie ranges, new jewellery plus accessory ranges.

M&S has a new Goodmove collection of outdoor sports and athleisure wear modelled by Olympian Alex Scott.

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.

Matalan has new Valentine pyjamas, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit, a menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright, transitional ranges and a menopause lingerie range.

F&F has a new Kate Ferdinand F&F Active collaboration of athleisure wear for January, new SS25 ranges of women's clothing and accessories.

Primark has new bags, lingerie and nightwear for Valentines, new SS25 dresses and skirts, Performance 2025 ranges of athleisure clothes, shoes and bags, plus kids ranges, Premier Division football outfits, a new Rita Ora occasion wear collaboration of clothing, a new accessory and ski range plus new shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories.

River Island has a new Jo Horner collaboration, “New Year New Look” ranges, Pantone Mocha Mousse looks for spring, plus new Premium and Winter Reds collections.

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

Fatface has new SS25 jewellery, accessories and clothes for men and women.

Scamp & Dude has new leopard print dresses for AW24.

John Lewis has new Anyday and And/Or SS25 clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men, a Dream Dress Edit featuring Whistles, Sister Jane, Reiss, Phase Eight and more clothing ranges for women.

TK Maxx has new clothing, shoes, boots, jewellery, make up and accessories for SS25.

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

Lipsy has new images for the New Year and the new season.

Barbour has new ranges of clothing, boots and accessories for SS25 for men and women and the new range of gift accessories.

Oliver Bonas has new February, March and April 2025 uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for the New Year and SS25.

Sims Wear has new menswear ranges for SS25.

Lola Starr has new sustainable activewear for the January and February bounce back.

Sainsbury’s Beauty has new BeautyPro, Dr Pawpaw, Isle of Paradise and Sundae wellness ranges and beauty treatments. 

Dune London has new shoes, bags and accessories for early 2025.

Fable England has new accessories and core jewellery ranges.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

National Trust Cotton Traders George at Asda

Home, garden and food

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

Treats by Mars has new Snickers and Galaxy ranges. 

Home Bargains has new exercise accessories, Mediterranean and Travellers Bazaar ranges, homeware from SS25 for the bedroom, bathroom and living rooms plus candles, diffusers, glasses and soft furnishings.

B&M has new Rustic Charm homeware ranges for SS25, including cushions, mirrors, vases and incense burners.

Ivyline has new plant pots, fountains and storage for the garden.

Primark has new furniture and homeware for SS25.

Dobbies Garden Centres has new Valentine’s presents, outdoor furniture, barbecues, accessories, kids' swimming pools and pots for SS25, Mother’s Day 2025 gifts, plus Winter gardening tools.

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

Hobbycraft has Easter decoration and food ideas. 

Cult Furniture has new ranges for SS25.

Online Home Shop has new storage solutions, 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.

Homesense has a new Outdoor Taste of the Med and Summer in the Souk ranges of furniture, homeware and kitchenware, plus indoors furniture and homeware for SS25.

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

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

Habitat has new SS25 homeware and furniture, plus new furniture for setting up your own home office. 

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.

M&S has new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25, gifts for pets, National Gallery collaboration, and new Fearne Cotton Happy Place range.

George Home has new Dark Garden SS25 interiors ranges, Stacey Solomon collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

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

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.

See additional new home images from

John Lewis Designers Guild Jan Constantine Fatface Primark

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Valentine’s Day – 39

Days until Mother’s Day - 83

Days until Easter - 104
 

How to get your brand in the media in January

January is all about fitness and health and getting back on track after a Christmas and New Year holiday break. So, clothes-wise it’s all about clothing for the gym and exercise, so make sure if you have anything relevant that it’s flagged up with keywords like fit, exercise and gym. 

The monthlies are also starting to prepare for Valentine’s Day next month, so get any relevant clothes, accessories and gifts uploaded and keyword them with valentine. They’re also looking forward to next season so make sure anything SS25 is flagged on your drops.

Plus, as we’re still mid-winter there will still be searches for anything cosy, so pyjamas, slippers, coats, hygge, winter warmers, knitwear, scarves and everything warm. 

January is also Veganuary (in 2024 over 1.8m people worldwide signed up for it! ) and it’s also Dry January so it’s a good idea to make sure you have vegan-friendly products and non-alcoholic products labelled on your media centre, plus anything that’s healthy that fits in with resetting your life. 

If you sell gin and anything gin-related then it’s also Ginuary!  It’s also Walk Your Dog Month, so anything dog-related would be good.

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.

January Diary - Weeks/Months

Houseplant Week (6th Jan – 12th Jan)

The London Textile Fair (14th Jan – 15th Jan)

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20th Jan – 26th Jan)

The Furniture Show NEC Birmingham (19th Jan – 22nd Jan)

Diary - Days

6th – Epiphany (Take your Christmas decorations down)

6th – Takeback Monday

6th – Divorce Day

7th - Orthodox Christmas Day

8th – Diet Searches peak

12th – Alcohol-free searches peak

14th - Orthodox New Year

17th - Ditch Your Resolution Day #DitchYourResolutionDay

20th - Have a Brew and Chat Monday/Blue Monday

20th – Health Food Searches Peak

20th – Martin Luther King Day (US)

21st – National Hugging Day (US)

25th – Burns Night

25th - Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day)

26th – Australia Day

26th – Indian Republic Day

27th – Chocolate Cake Day (US)

27th – Holocaust Memorial Day (US)

28th – Data Privacy Day

29th – Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year (The year of the Snake)

29th – Valentine’s Day searches rise

31st – Tax return payments are due today

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).