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PRShots Digest brings you the latest retail news from John Lewis, Bruno Cucinelli, Sosandar, Lush, Zara, Petit Bateau, Stetson, TWO, Known Beauty and DFS. Plus articles on how the budget impacted retailers, 9 Facebook analytic tools, tools to create SEO content briefs and more.

To see the latest news go to our Twitter account @prshotsr

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

John Lewis Partnership swings to £234m loss and axes bonus

John Lewis Partnership has plunged to a loss of £234m and admitted it could not afford to pay staff their traditional annual bonus

DFS warns on profits despite reaching ‘record market share’

DFS trading update for the half to Dec 25 saw a 16.2% drop in underlying profit before tax to £7.1m but said it has achieved “record market share” and higher average order values.

Brunello Cucinelli raises full year sales estimates

Luxury fashion house Brunello Cucinelli has raised its full year revenue growth estimates from12% to 15% following “excellent”  first quarter trading to date.

Lush complains to FCA about former director over sale of shares

Lush has complained to the Financial Conduct Authority about a former director Andrew Gerrie over control of a large £220m stake in the business

‘No comfort’ for retailers in ‘missed opportunity’ Budget

The Budget has been met with a largely tepid reaction from retailers and industry bodies, after the chancellor failed to address several important issues.

Get sizing right in the first place to avoid returns

Two new reports both conclude that retailers need to get sizing right so consumers will choose items they know will fit and reduce the returns rate, with data and tech being key to the solution.

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Why store expansion is a priority for Inditex and Zara

In 2022, Zara owner Inditex opened 201 new stores in 33 markets and enlarged 94 stores and has said it “wants bigger stores” with plans to increase the average space per store by 13%.

5 budget measures that impact retail

Retail Gazette looks at what the Spring Budget means for retailers and five measures that will affect retailers.

3 tools to create SEO content briefs

Creating search-optimised content can pose a dilemma. Skilled writers don’t always understand search engines, and skilled search optimizers aren’t necessarily good writers.

9 Facebook analytics tools for 2023

Facebook analytics tools are third-party programs that collect and report performance metrics from your Facebook account.

3 Ways small businesses can use AI to drive growth

AI has the potential to revolutionize the way small businesses operate, providing a competitive advantage and enabling them to scale and grow in new ways.

Will the D2C brand revolution flourish or fizzle?

DTC brands, especially Chinese giants like Shein, have seen remarkable growth, but also challenges around their sustainability and quality. Is this a challenge that will make them or break them?

Neatsy.ai launches first AI-enabled shoe marketplace

US-based startup Neatsy.ai has launched the first marketplace for AI-selected running footwear and in-soles, helping customers to select shoes customised to their individual orthopaedic issues.

Autonomous Robot deliveries roll-out in Greater Manchester

Robots are heading to the streets of Manchester, as Starship Technologies partners with Trafford Council and the Co-op to bring autonomous grocery deliveries to residents across Sale.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Sosandar appoints interim chairman

Fashion brand Sosandar has announced that  its non-executive director Nick Mustoe has been appointed as interim chairman.

John Lewis Partnership has appointed its first-ever chief executive Nish Kankiwala

John Lewis Partnership has appointed its first-ever chief executive. Nish Kankiwala, already a NED and former CEO of Hovis, starts later this month.

BRAND NEWS

Petit Bateau strengthens its second-hand offer to be launched in Europe

French children’s clothing brand Petit Bateau is launching a second-hand online marketplace and is aiming for one in three products sold will to be second-hand or rental by 2030

Stetson opens its first UK store

Renowned US hat brand Stetson has opened the doors of its first UK store in the heart of London’s West

Farfetch and New Guards debut There Was One kidswear

Luxury e-tail giant Farfetch has launched There was One (TWO) kidswear on its platform just a week after it announced the debut of activewear under the now-fast-growing label.

Vanessa Hudgens relaunches Know Beauty brand

Actress Vanessa Hudgens has returned to the cosmetics sector with the relaunch of her Know Beauty brand and the debut of the new detoxifying clay face mask, ‘Glacial Bay Clay Mask’.

AND FINALLY

The 50 most-loved retailers in the UK for 2023

Savanta surveyed 96,000 shoppers on more than 200 retailers, first asking if they were aware of the brand and then asking them to rate how much they loved - or hated – it and here’s the result.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending March 10^th 2023?

1/ Easter

2/ Mother’s Day

3/ Coronation

4/ Garden

5/ SS23

6/ Dress

7/ Lantern

8/ Denim

9/ Cushion  

10/ Gingham

COLLABORATIONS ON PRSHOTS

Our PRShots brands are looking for media and influencers who want to work with them on collaborations. Register for free at PRShots new collabs service to find out more https://collabs.prshots.com/ 

NEW BRANDS TO PRSHOTS

Studio started back in 1962 and delivers everything from homewares through to clothing and footwear from top brand names as well as its own branded clothing.

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.

Lavender Hill creates luxurious staples, using natural sources, with extra emphasis placed on how the clothes feel,  giving every item the softest touch imaginable and that every piece feels soft and comforting next to your skin.

Jessica Russell Flint is British designer who creates vibrant, entirely unique hand-illustrated prints, with luxury products ranging across accessories, clothing, sleepwear and homeware.

&Sons is all about vintage-inspired clothing for the modern-day Pioneer. Timeless garments for the modern man, designed by and for craftspeople, artisan makers and creative pioneers in their chosen fields of endeavour.

Damsons aim is to cater to real women who face the challenges of life with open arms. Their latest collection is influenced by vintage workwear and iconic styles, delicately transformed into contemporary feminine silhouettes.

Tweedmill is a family run business established in 1971 that creates beautiful British made blankets, picnic rugs, home accessories and more and are stocked in more than 4000 retailers UK wide.

Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear is designed to make women feel fabulous about their curves. With sizes from D to K cups Curvy Kate lingerie and swimwear ethos is to “Fit, lift, shape and comfort.”

Imp & Maker founded by entrepreneur Sarah Louise Fairburn to bring together food, drinks & gifts from established, emerging and exciting new names in the food & drink world for both home and corporate gifting.

Scamp & Dude was created by Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and previous MD of Beauty Seen PR and is famous for their signature leopard and lightning bolt print and vibrant designs, which features in their mens, womens, kids and baby ranges.

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 24hours, week, or month.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Very has new Michelle Keegan collaborations

Primark has new shoes, beachwear, plus new women and mens summer clothing, makeup and kids clothing and accessories

Fatface has new mens, womens and kids ranges

Barbour has new Modern Heritage mens, womens and kids ranges

Peacocks has new womenswear ranges

Roman Originals has new spring and summer ranges in all sizes

Monsoon has a new SS23 childrenswear,  womenswear, shoes, bags, jewellery, and accessories

Cotton Traders has new summer wear imagery

Dune London has new bags and kids shoe ranges for the summer

Threadbare has new mens and womens ranges

Oliver Bonas has new dresses, bags, jewellery, shoes and accessories

New Look has new swimwear and summer clothing drops

River Island has new swimwear and accessories, spring and summer clothing, plus wedding outfits for him and her

National Trust Shop has new scarves, hats, bags and accessories

PrettyLittleThing  has PrettyLittleThing and Teyana Taylor Designer of the Year and new ranges and collabs

The Morphbag by JSK has new PETA certified vegan bag ranges

Dune London Men’s has new SS23 shoes and accessories ranges

Marks & Spencer has new M&S Collection bags, sunglasses, shoes and hats for the summer,  a new denim collection, and lingerie from its “Love your Boobs” campaign

Radley has new ranges but check the embargo

See additional new clothing and accessories images from the last few weeks at

NoLoGo  Dancing Leopard Crew Clothing Very Matalan Bryony Bel  Lipsy Tu Clothing Regatta Teva Office TU Clothing Cath Kidston Joe Browns Aspiga From my mother’s garden TK Maxx  Night Store John Lewis

Home and food

Nologo has new tableware

Dobbies Garden Centres has new terrariums, plants, pet ranges, things for the home, and patio furniture.

National Trust shop has new plant collections, Easter gifts and summer items for outdoor living

B&M has new animal gifts

Ivyline has a new grow your own range of garden pots, planters, hanging baskets and more  

Oliver Bonas has new home ranges

Sofology has a new Sapporo, Hetty and Fellini ranges and a new corner sofa bed

Dunelm has new camping and outdoor ranges homeware and Easter gifts and decorations

Wilko has new Mothers Day gifts and home items

Cult Furniture  has new interiors items as well as tables and chairs

Biscuiteers Baking has new coronation goodies as well as Smiley 50th birthday ranges plus Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day

Fritz Fryer has new lighting solutions

Next launches outdoor dining ranges, Easter collections as well as a new Tahiti, Stockholm, Arches, Valencia and Medley interiors collections

Branch Jewellery has new ranges

The Range has new Mother’s Day presents, Easter homeware and decorations, plus kitchen and homeware to keep you organised in 2023

Primark has new bright homeware for the kitchen and bathroom and for Easter events

GettingPersonal has new unique personalised Mother’s Day gifts

Nest  Has outdoor living furniture and interior ideas 

See additional new home images from the last weeks from

Furniture Village Cardfactory Cartwright & Butler Cuckooland Homesense Cutter & Squidge Fatface George Home Daisy Park  Very Primark Home Cath Kidston TK Maxx Hotel Chocolat John Lewis Marks & Spencer Cambridge Imprint

Looking for inspiration?

Our trends lightboxes section has lots of ideas for features and themes but If  you can't find something or you need help then email us at support@prshots.com, and we'll see if we can help

DIARY

PRShots Retail Alert

Days until Mother’s Day – 3

Days until Easter – 24

Days until Eid al-Fitr – 36

Days until The Coronation - 51

Days until Halloween – 229

Days until Singles Day - 240

Days until Black Friday – 253

Days until Christmas Day – 284

How to get your brand on the March Editorial Calendars, search engines and social media 

March is mostly about preparing for the big Easter holidays in April so make sure you are starting to include relevant Easter keywords, plus 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 and get Mother, gifts, or Mother’s Day into your keywords for anything that seems appropriate. Also, if you have anything green then add the Keyword St Patricks 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).   

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 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 the British Heart Foundation 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.   

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;

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

British Science Week (10^th-19^th)

World Autism Awareness Week (Mar 27^th – Apr 2^nd)

Ideal Home Show (Mar 17^th – Apr 2^nd)

London Bridal Fashion Week (19^th-21^st)

National Fragrance Week (20^th-26^th)

March - Days

17^th – St Patrick’s Day

17^th – World Sleep Day

17^th - Red Nose Day for Comic Relief

18^th – Global Recycling Day

19^th - Mother’s Day UK

20^th – First Day of Spring 

21^st – International Day of Forests

21^st – World Poetry Day

22^nd – World Water Day

22^nd - Start of Ramadan

25^th – National Bridesmaids Day

26^th – British Summertime Begins 

26^th – Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

31^st – Wear a Hat Day (Brain Tumour Research)  

Do you have any news on your brand that you want us to feature, or have a new appointee or a new event that you would like us to feature? Get in touch at news@prshots.com We don't charge, so get emailing now!!!

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