Retro trends, preppy and Brat Girl fashions and travel returning to pre-covid levels were among the biggest influences on our shopping habits.
That's according to John Lewis's annual trend report How We Shop, Live and Look, which looks at the products and trends that defined the past year.
'Social shopping' is definitely in fashion. One in five (19 percent) of the 1,996 customers surveyed said they have shopped more with friends and family this year, and nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) of them said they like to combine it with other activities like eating out. This tallies with John Lewis data, which shows that more than three quarters of a million more customers ate in its Place to Eat restaurants over the past year.
Posted: 17 December 2024
Gift cards are proving to be a game-changer for retailers, offering a dual advantage of attracting new customers and driving incremental spend. Brands participating in multistore gift card schemes or offering their own gift cards are reaping the rewards, particularly from younger demographics like Millennials, who are embracing gift cards for their convenience and flexibility.
The latest research from the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) and Global Data highlights how gift cards are effective tool for channeling consumer behaviour by not only introducing new shoppers to brands but also encouraging them to 'upgarde' their purchase beyond the card's value.
Posted: 4 December 2024
Fashion retailers could be in for bumper sales this Black Friday after new figures show the sector is expected to see the biggest uplift in web traffic this year.
Digital PR agency Tank analysed keywords for over 150 retailers from November 2023 to October 2024 to reveal which companies and products are set to dominate search results – putting them in poll position to generate sales on 29 November.
It comes following growing criticism that Google updates are directing more online traffic to news sites with affiliate links, rather than retailers' pages – potentially disadvantaging even big brands. However, with Google announcing a November core update on Monday 11 November, businesses will be paying an even closer eye on visibility and traffic in the coming weeks.
Posted: 27 November 2024
Christmas spending is set to hit £88.29bn this year as consumers boost spending on festive celebrations after years of Christmas cutbacks.
VoucherCodes.co.uk's Shopping for Christmas Report 2024 forecasts a 4 percent boost in sales this festive season, with consumers spending on gifts, food and drink, and holiday travel.
Whilst this rise comes partly from inflation, it's also driven by a 1.4 percent rise in sales volume year-on-year, as consumers have more money in their pockets to buy more items.
Whereas other European nations will see a decline in spend YoY, the UK is the only nation out of seven analysed to see a healthy boost in festive sales.
Posted: 11 November 2024
Durango® Boots, a leading name in western footwear, is thrilled to announce its expansion into the UK market. Known for their lightweight, tough, and unbelievably comfortable designs, Durango® Boots are crafted for the western lifestyle—whether you're riding and roping, on the job, or on the town.
Founded in Flowery Branch, Georgia in 1966, and now headquartered in Nelsonville, Ohio, Durango® Boots has spent decades perfecting innovative western boots that cater to the diverse needs of their customers. From cowboys and ranchers to urban workers and fashion-forward individuals.
Durango® Boots are made for what you do. Durango® performance boots are engineered with the utmost attention to crucial functionality, both inside and outside the arena.
Posted: 30 September 2024
Aberston, a brand-new online marketplace for creatives and independent retailers, has been launched.
Aberston is an online B2B wholesale marketplace that connects independent retailers with independent brands selling unique, unusual and creative products.
Serving as a bridge between talented artisans and local gift and homeware stores, Aberston offers a curated selection of handcrafted goods ranging from artisanal jewellery to bespoke fashion pieces and everything in between. With a focus on celebrating craftsmanship and individuality, Aberston aims to create a thriving ecosystem for independent makers and retailers.
Founder and Director of Aberston, Djamel Benziane, says: "We're proud to provide a space where makers and retailers can come together to celebrate craftsmanship and build thriving businesses."
Posted: 19 September 2024
The Brand Group has been co-founded by Damian Hopkins CBE, owner of PDS Radius Brands, and Sunny Malhotra, owner of Hong Kong-based fashion supplier Simple Approach, which forms part of the $2bn global fashion infrastructure platform PDS Limited.
The Brand Group is an innovative force within the fashion sector, supporting an exclusive roster of leading creative fashion brands. The Brand Group (also known as TBG) started with a big bang at London Fashion Week, and has quietly acquired majority stakes in three brands this year already.
The portfolio includes brands such womenswear brand Roksanda, with TBG also owning a majority share in contemporary womenswear brand Vivere, as well as adaptive fashion brand Unhidden by Victoria Jenkins.
Posted: 17 September 2024
Ethical jeweller Lily Arkwright has announced the opening of its first Scottish showroom in Glasgow, bringing its stunning collection of lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and ethically sourced coloured gemstones to a whole new audience.
Lily Arkwright has been at the forefront of the ethical jewellery movement in the UK. Specialising in sustainable lab-grown stones, the company offers a lab grown, conflict-free and environmentally conscious diamonds.
The new Glasgow showroom provides a welcoming and convenient space for customers to explore Lily Arkwright's collection. With expert staff on hand to offer guidance and answer questions, visitors can find the perfect piece of jewellery for any occasion.
"We're incredibly excited to open our first showroom in Scotland," says Philip Dawson.
Posted: 9 September 2024
The Giftware Association is thrilled to announce the launch of the Gift of the Year Awards 2025, marking another year of celebrating excellence in the UK gift industry. With over 80 esteemed judges from various sectors of the industry already committed, this year's competition promises to be the most prestigious yet.
Entering the 2025 Gift of the Year Awards early provides unparalleled opportunities for PR and marketing coverage. Early entrants enjoy extended visibility, allowing them to maximise the benefits of being nominated. The competition's enhanced media presence means products and brands get noticed sooner, increasing the chances for significant promotional impact.
Posted: 23 July 2024
Pure London x JATC proudly presented this season's catwalk trends, inspired by the show's new trend partner, Trendhub by BDA London. Under the show's theme of Immersive Encounters, this season's newest key trends blend traditional craftsmanship, innovative design and a profound reconnection with womanhood. Terrie Isaac, Head of Creative at Trendhub by BDA London said, "Trendhub by BDA London are really excited to be collaborating with Pure London, it has been great to share our SS25 forecast, showcasing a selection of our trends for the season. We have focused on Womanhood which celebrates the triumphs, resilience, and unwavering spirit of women. True empowerment encourages individuals to embrace their heritage, their body and their uniqueness.
Posted: 16 July 2024
