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The latest retail news from Shopify, Lululemon, Victoria’s Secret, Joules, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Harrods and articles on how commerce data can drive growth, how to use user-generated content to drive growth, 3 advertising strategies and much more.

Brand Requests is now live!! You can now get your editorial requests in front of all of the PRShots brands in a minute (John Lewis, Hotter, Next, M&S, Primark, Sainsbury, DFS, Oliver Bonas, Nest etc). Just click along to Brand Requests tell them what you need, eg pics for a feature, AW22 previews etc say what your deadline is and how you want to be contacted and it'll instantly appear to our brands.

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THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Shopify to acquire ecommerce startup Deliverr to fix fulfilment issues

Shopify is on the verge of acquiring e-commerce startup Deliverr within the next two weeks, however representatives for both companies have still not issued a comment on the deal as of yet.

Online sales take 8% hit as cost-of-living crisis begins to bite

Online sales dropped by 7.9% in March and retail sales dropped by 1.4% as the cost-of-living crisis started to bite, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Consumer confidence tumbles as cost-of-living crisis intensifies

Consumer confidence dropped by seven points in January to -38, one point off the lowest confidence level on record, and four points below the lowest peak of the first lockdown in April/May 2020.

Nearly half of British shoppers ‘can’t afford to be more sustainable’

Nearly half (44%) of UK consumers would ditch fast fashion and switch to sustainable clothing if they could, but they won’t as they can’t afford the difference in cost.

Lululemon unveils monthly subscription service

Lululemon is launching a new US membership scheme, giving customers access to clothes, events and classes for $39 per month and will bundle the membership for free into Mirror owners subscription.

Almost a fifth of e-tailers hide their returns policy claims survey

​UK e-tailers are losing money from e-commerce returns up to an estimated £5.2bn a year on average. But they could do better if they were more transparent with their returns policy.

TRENDS, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

How commerce data can drive long-term e-commerce growth

Combining customer data (the ‘who,’) with product data (the ‘what’) can help a brand take customers all the way from inspiration to engagement to conversion, and then into lasting loyalty.

How to use user-generated content to drive growth

When it comes to creating content for your brand using user-generated content (UGC) has many benefits aside from saving you time, money and resources.

Three strategies for advertisers to thrive

With the removal of third-party cookies brands need new ways to communicate with consumers here are three strategies to help get those conversations started.

Will trading physical clothes for digital ones lure shoppers to then metaverse?

A new partnership between the digital fashion company The Dematerialised and fintech firm Twig claims it offers customers a new way to sell off old clothing with Web3 incentives.

How making your site more accessible increases revenue

Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring your site is usable and navigable for people with disabilities, rather than regard it as an inconvenience, brands should be viewing it as a sales booster.

Why Social commerce is failing shoppers

Nearly half (48%) of online shoppers think that using social media is a great way to learn about new products, but only 12% think it is a great way to buy new products.

Why it’s harder to gain shoppers trust

Adobe’s Trust Report reveals over 75% of consumers are concerned over how brands use their data, and 71% believe the customer information gathered benefits only the brand, not the consumer.

Why Google, Netflix and Buzzfeed are embracing the physical store

Social media and online brands such as Buzzfeed, TikTok and Highsnobiety are flirting with the idea of physical stores. Retail Week looks at what has prompted the interest in moving into stores.

Crypto ownership value still small

Cryptocurrency ownership in the US to surpass 30m in 2022, with global cryptocurrency transaction value to grow 70% to go past $10bn – Ignoring the ROW that would be a pitiful $333 per US user.

BRAND NEWS

Victoria’s Secret launches new digital-only tween brand

Victoria’s Secret has launched a new digital brand Happy Nation, aimed at children between the ages of eight and 13 the range includes sweatshirts, swimwear, bras, underwear and body care items.

Joules to launch clothing takeback and resale initiative

Joules is set to launch ‘Joules ReWear’, a clothing takeback and resale scheme allowing shoppers to return worn items that it will then resell.

Waitrose relaunches its at home wine tasting experience

Since its service was taken virtual during Covid-19, Waitrose has now relaunched its popular Wine Tasting at Home ‘in-person’ experience.

Sainsbury’s drops Nectar Double Up loyalty promotion in favour of ‘invite-only’ offer

Sainsbury's loyalty programme has come under fire after dropping its popular Nectar Double Up promotion and replacing it with a number of 'invite-only' offers.

Harrods opens new H Beauty store in Bristol, underlines beauty's strength

Harrods continues the rollout of its H Beauty chain with a store in Bristol. It’s the fourth standalone in the UK and comes in the same week that Farfetch and Browns launched giant beauty offers.

How Debenhams stores have been reinvented, from ‘fun factories’ to student digs

Despite 90% of Debenhams stores remaining empty, some shops have been given a new lease of life under very different guises.

AND FINALLY

Barbie unveils Queen Elizabeth II Doll to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee

Barbie has launched a Queen Elizabeth II doll, as part of the toy brand’s Tribute Collection to celebrate visionaries for their incredible contributions, impact and legacy as trailblazers.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots week-ending April 15th 2022?

1/ SS22

2/ Easter

3/ Garden

4/ Yellow   

5/ Kitchen

6/ Jubilee

7/ Denim Skirt

8/ Dresses

9/ Camping   

10/ Parasol

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

Peacocks was founded by Albert Frank Peacock in Warrington, in 1884 with the principle of value for money and that still holds today with its good value clothing ranges for men, women and children. The latest Weekend range features brand ambassador Louise Redknapp.

NoLoGo was founded by designer Tina Malhamé who has worked with Sir Terence Conran, Next, Monsoon, Laura Ashley, Anokhi, Per Una and more. NoLoGo-Chic produces beautiful clothing, each carefully designed and sourced, with its own unique detailing, in gorgeous natural fabrics.

Bonmarché returns to PRShots with its Spring Summer 2022 range if women’s clothing. The range features long, midi and short dresses as well as jackets, swimsuits, shirts and t-shirts

Noughty is a British-born, cruelty-free, vegan and naturals brand on a mission to exceed the performance of premium conventional hair and body care with natural alternatives that won’t cost the earth - literally.

Bryony Bel was born out of a desire for aspirational, contemporary and wearable jewellery without the designer price tag. With over 15 years industry experience at a number of jewellery brands, they bring a curated edit of contemporary and affordable sterling silver and 18kt gold vermeil jewellery.

Gold Collagen was started by Tony Sanguinetti whilst on a trip to Japan where he noticed that taking collagen drinks to supplement their diet was key to Japanese women’s youthful appearance and their daily beauty regimes.

The Jacket Bar was born in the streets of Notting Hill by two long-time friends Diane and Sara, who shared a passion for iconic vintage pieces from the early ‘90s with the retro look and style of the era.

The MorphBag by GSK is an award-winning London-based luxury vegan handbag brand. Designed by Italian born award-winning luxury handbag designer Giovanna Sessi-Knott the sustainable bags have a timeless and versatile design and come in three colour-coordinated options.

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 and accessories

Primark has new swim, lingerie, beauty products, leisurewear, activewear and a Snoopy range

Roman Originals has new summer wear

Pretty Little Thing has a new Jayda Wayda and Alabama Barker ranges

M&Co  has new summer wear from Anya Madsen and Kylie, plus new kids and adult ranges

River Island  has new summer clothing imagery for kids and adults

New Look has new women’s summer outfits

Lipsy has new mini, midi and long dresses and a Chrishell collaboration

F&F  has new denim and womenswear ranges

Matalan has new summer sandals

Barbour has new menswear

Dancing Leopard has new summer dresses

Cotton Traders has new summer ranges

Sonder Studio has new clothing ranges

Dune London has new shoe and bag ranges

Hope Fashion has new womenswear

Monsoon has new womenswear and kids ranges

Pink House Mustique has new outfits for the summer

See more new clothing and accessories images from the last two weeks from

George at Asda Oliver Bonas Kaleidoscope Freemans Marks & Spencer Shoe Zone Seol + Gold Feelunique Very Daisy Park Fatface Joe Browns John Lewis  Aspiga From My Mothers Garden  

Home and food

Primark has new garden furniture

Daisy Park Has new Jubilee commemorative pieces

Dobbies Garden Centres has new home goods, plants, pet accessories and outdoor ranges 

Abstract House has new canvases

Fritz Fryer has new lighting ranges

Matalan has new bedding ranges

Marks & Spencer  has new garden furniture and outdoor ranges

Sofology  has new bed and furniture ranges

Joe Browns has new jubilee ranges

Wilko has new DIY, storage, garden and home wear

Cult Furniture  has new homeware

Nest has new outdoor lighting, home ranges and prints

Parker Knoll has new furniture ranges

Oliver Bonas has new homeware and decorations

The Range has new homeware and things for the garden and Jubilee wear

M&Co  has new homeware

Next has new Beach Retreat homeware available in June

Paperchase has a new Mr Men range

Cuckooland has new modular sofas

Oak Furnitureland has new sofa ranges

Very has new Occasions homeware

See more new home images from the last two weeks from

Wilko Cambridge Imprint  Fatface Lights4fun George Home Next Hotel Chocolat Getting Personal John Lewis & Partners TK Maxx Biscuiteers Baking  Cartwright & Butler  John Lewis and Partnership Furniture Village Homesense Soho House Retail National Trust Shop

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

April Diary

How to get your brand on the April Editorial Calendars   

June sees the start of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 4-day weekend holiday, so start to get anything related to the Jubilee up now and get the keywords Platinum Jubilee on anything relevant. 

We’re now definitely in Spring, so carry on adding those spring summer related images and adding keywords relating to summer outfits, swimwear, the garden, garden parties and Barbecues (don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc).  

People are thinking about the approaching summer holidays, so carry on adding those spring summer related images and adding keywords relating to summer outfits, beachwear, swimwear, the garden, garden parties and Barbecues. Don’t forget to add all of the other spellings BBQ, Bar-B-Que etc and other related keywords like picnic, garden party, get-togethers, parties, socials, gatherings (gaths). 

While some people are looking to holidays abroad some are also trimming their budgets thanks to the rising costs of gas and electricity etc. and are looking closer to home, so add in keywords and phrases like “staycation” “holistay” “holiday at home” to your keywords and why not suggest clothing like cardigans for the colder UK evenings.

April Diary - Weeks/Months

As well as Easter there are lots of other big events in April. April is World Stress awareness month and National Pet Month in the UK, so if you have anything to relieve stress (massage products, recliners, diffusers, pillows, garden swings etc) and anything for pets (dog coats, cat collars, dog beds will also be looked for etc) then add them and get all the relevant keywords added. 

Other events include;

English Tourism Week (Apr 18^th – Apr 24^th)

The Big Peddle (Apr 19^th – Apr 30^th)

National Stationery Week (Apr 20^th – Apr 25^th)

MS Awareness Week (Apr 20^th – Apr 25^th)

Allergy Awareness Week (Apr 20^th – Apr 25^th)

National Gardening Week (Apr 27^th – May 3^rd)

April - Days

22nd – Earth Day

22^nd-14^th – Coachella Weekend Two

23^rd – Passover Ends

23rd – St George’s Day

23^rd - National Asparagus Day

23^rd – Shakespeare Day

24^th - National Skipping Day

24^th – Fashion Revolution Day

25^th – World Malaria Day

27^th – Stop food waste Day

29^th - International dance Day

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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