Category Archives: Retail

Apparel & Fashion, Art, Entertainment, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping

Sekonda Watches Party on TV’s Popstar to Operastar

Leave a comment

05 July 2011 – /RTPR/– The party is nearly over for ‘Popstar to Operastar’ contestants Joe McElderry and Cheryl Baker but it never stops for Sekonda watches.

Over the past five weeks, Sekonda has showcased its colourful range of Party Time watches in its role as official show sponsor of ITV1’s singing competition.

In that time, the eight celebrity contestants have been whittled down to finalists McElderry and Baker, who will compete against each other to be crowned the winning ‘Operastar’ on Sunday’s final show.

Although the final curtain will come down on ‘Popstar to Operstar’ for another year, fans of Partytime won’t have to wait that long to see their favourite Sekonda watches return to the screen.

The new series of ‘Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model’, which commenced on Sky Living on Monday (04 July), will feature the modelling hopefuls sporting Sekonda Partytime watches as part of one week’s challenge.

Sekonda watches’ starring role in Living’s fashion show follows last year’s photo shoot, which saw contestants wearing Casio Baby-G watches and led to show winner Joy McLaren being selected as an official brand ambassador.

Although it is not yet known whether this year’s winner will enjoy a similar deal modelling Sekonda Partytime watches, the brand itself is sure to benefit from another turn in the TV spotlight.

Each Partytime watch boasts a bold, single colour strap with a glittering stone-set bezel, providing a colour for every party any time of the year.

With Christmas approaching, it’s likely that Sekonda will continue its sponsorship of ITV shows over the festive period following annual slots in 2009 and 2010, which won the watch brand even more fans in the run-up to Christmas.

A wide range of Sekonda watches, including the Partytime range, can be viewed at the Watch Hut, the UK’s largest watches website.

Catch the finale of ‘Popstar to Operstar’, sponsored by Sekonda, on Sunday 10 July at 8pm ITV1. For more information on where you can next catch Sekonda on TV, visit thewatchhut.co.uk.

Contact:

The Watch Hut: http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk

95 High Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3AU
Tel. No. 01384 78431
E-mail: luke.mcnaney@thbaker-watches.co.uk

 

Apparel & Fashion, Art, Entertainment, Media, Retail, Shopping

Pandora Jewellery Line Launches Online Mag

Leave a comment

Jun 22 2011 /RTPR/ – The Copenhagen-based jeweller behind the Pandora bracelets range is set to venture into online publishing to help it to stay in contact with its millions of customers worldwide.

The first issue of the online magazine will launch on 20th June 2011 and will be sent to the 1.6 million members of their website-based Pandora Club.

The magazine will feature behind the scenes insights into the brand, fashion shoots, style tips and the stories behind customer’s purchases of Pandora jewellery and bracelets. Published six times per year, the magazine will initially launch in an international format which the company eventually hopes to be able to adapt with local content such as special events and promotions.

The launch of the magazine marks an important step in the evolution of the company. Since the UK launch in 2006 the company’s product range, which now includes rings and watches, has been selling at a phenomenal rate. The company has managed supply and demand successfully, due in large part to its integrated designs, manufactures and distribution.

Founded in 1982, Pandora jewellery is today sold in more than 55 countries on six continents through over 10,000 points of sale, including more than 450 Pandora branded concept stores as well as online from stores such as thejewelhut.co.uk.

Whilst the financial projections were made successfully, what could not have been seen is the way in which consumers have taken the brand to their hearts. Pandora braceletshave become very different from a standard jewellery product; it has taken on a life of its own and has become a part an important constituent of the lives of its wearers. This symbiotic relationship has created many repeat customers who have made their charm bead collection an integral part of their lives.

Mikkel Berg, executive marketing director, quoted in a recent Marketing Week article, said: “This magazine rewards our customers’ loyalty and gives new opportunities for them to share their thoughts with each other and the company.”

To ensure that you get your copy sign up online on the Pandora website atwww.pandora.net. For more information on Pandora jewellery, visit popular UK jewellery site the Jewel Hut at http://www.thejewelhut.co.uk.

Contact Details: The Jewel Hut – http://www.thejewelhut.co.uk
95 High Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3AU
Telephone no: 0138478431
E-mail: rich@thbaker.co.uk

 

Apparel & Fashion, Art, Entertainment, Retail, Shopping

Cameron Diaz to be the new face of TAG Heuer Watches

Leave a comment

Jun 22 2011 /RTPR/– Hollywood starlet Cameron Diaz is set to become the latest high profile celebrity to endorse TAG Heuer watches.

Although an official announcement is yet to be made, reputable sources report that Diaz is set to join Leonardo DiCaprio as an ambassador for the popular, prestigious watch brand.

TAG Heuer watches, which are particularly popular in Diaz’s native US, have long been associated with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars; prior to DiCaprio’s current role as ambassador, Brad Pitt and Uma Thurman both featured in TAG Heuer campaigns.

With sources pointing to Diaz being next in line to the TAG Heuer ambassador throne, the company’s reputation for attracting the Hollywood elite is as strong as ever.

Diaz can currently be seen in cinemas in hit comedy ‘Bad Teacher’, where she stars alongside ex Justin Timberlake, and was last year ranked by Forbes Magazine as the third highest-paid actress in Hollywood.

The actress’s box office appeal has spanned over a decade of cinema, from her breakout turn in ‘There’s Something About Mary’ to dramatic roles (‘In Her Shoes’, ‘My Sister’s Keeper’), indie endeavours (‘Being John Malkovich’, ‘A Life Less Ordinary’) and successful franchises (‘Shrek’, ‘Charlie’s Angels’).

Her new role as TAG Heuer ambassador will cast Diaz in a promotional role for the Swiss watch brand. Upon an official announcement, promotional shots featuring Diaz wearing a timepiece will be expected shortly afterwards.

TAG Heuer watches have provided watch fans and collectors with the best in Swiss ‘avant-garde’ since 1860. Many of the brand’s watches have gone on to become iconic examples of watch-making craftsmanship, including the Carrera line and the infamous Monaco. TAG’s long-established relationship with the field of motorsports means Diaz will feel right at home, following her stint behind the wheel of an Indy Race Car in the first ‘Charlie’s Angels’ movie.

For more information on TAG Heuer watches and for all the latest ambassador developments, visit the Watch Hut at http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk.

Contact Details: 95 High Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3AU
Telephone: 0138478431
E-mail: luke.mcnaney@thbaker-watches.co.uk
Website: http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk

 

Apparel & Fashion, Internet & Online, Marketing, Retail, Shopping

Boden Wins Loyalty Award

Leave a comment

Jun 09 2011 /RTPR/ – Boden, the multichannel retailer of apparel and accessories, emerged victorious as the CRM/Loylty category winner of Marketing Week’s second Engage Awards. Announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvernor House Hotel in London, members of the Boden team were delighted by the recognition by judges and peers for their innovative CRM efforts.

The award-winning “Love Story” campaign featured personalised mailing, addressed to a customer’s first name with a J Loves logo at the front. A fold-out spread was completely unique to each customer based on their shopping history and life story with the brand.

The back of the catalogue featured further personalisation, with product recommendations based on analytics. These were further complemented by personal emails with further recommendations and additional integrated material.

Overall results for the catalogue mailing delivered a near 30% uplift in response. Engage Award’s judges were impressed, commenting “A great example of marketing with a personal touch.” Praising the quality and relevance of personalisation they added, “Strong customisation made it highly engaging and drove strong results”.

Boden’s campaign fought off strong competition in the face of O2’s Priority campaign and Innocent Drinks’ Innocent AGM to claim the Winner’s award. Further shortlisted entries came from Coca-Cola, Cravendale, Fiat, M&S and More Than amongst others.

Now in its second year, Marketing Week’s Engage Awards received even more entries than last year, which were judged by judged by a host of well know industry professionals including Mark Choueke, Editor of Marketing Week, Will Abbott, Marketing and Communications Director, Freesat, Lauren Branston Director, Public Affairs & Communications, Coca Cola, Craig Inglis Director, Marketing John Lewis, Richard Reed CEO Innocent Drinks and Phil Rumbol Founding Partner 101.

About JP Boden
When he could not find what he wanted in the Johnnie Boden started a clothing business. Boden’s grown in leaps and bounds since the first range took shape on Johnnie’s kitchen table back in 1991. The company is now turning over £200 million a year and employing 800 staff. More than 200 womenswear styles are on offer, as well as extensive ranges of menswear, babywear, girls dresses and boys clothes. Boden launched operations in America in 2002, Germany in 2007 and Austria in September 2009.

Contact Details: Boden UK
pr@boden.co.uk
PR Manager
Boden House, 114 – 120 Victoria Road
London
NW10 6NY

Apparel & Fashion, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping

Boden’s Innovative Catalogue Campaign Pays Off

Leave a comment

Jun 09 2011 /RTPR/ – Clothing retailer Boden reported a doubling of response on its latest enquirer conversion campaign in Summer 2011. Investment in an integrated multichannel approach to enquirer mailings with high level of personalisation paid off with improved ROI compared to past campaigns.

In May, Boden mailed Royal Wedding themed postcards to its enquirers, each featuring a personalised URL leading to a tailored micro site. Visitors were able to enter a competition to instantly win £1,000 worth of Boden clothing. Those that weren’t lucky enough to scoop the prize were awarded with a 15% off discount and automatically deep-linked from the micro site to the relevant Boden web page based on their catalogue preferences and gender.

The thorough approach with creative integration from start to finish paid off, boosting both engagement and sales. Matthew Finn, Assistant Marketing Manager at Boden, commented “Despite the higher initial costs we experienced almost double the response rate.” He went on to thank digital printers Howard Hunt and insight partners Celerity for their support in putting the campaign together.

Mr Finn now plans to roll out similar features to more tactical campaigns in the future. “We’ve seen declining response rates for enquirers on traditional mailings”, he says, sighting personalised integrated campaigns as a way to boost enquirer engagement and conversion.

This success follows hot on the heels of Boden’s catalogue campaign that was awarded Marketing Week’s Engage Award in May. The “Love Story” campaign featured personalised mailing, addressed to a customer’s first name with a J Loves logo at the front. A fold-out spread was unique to each customer based on their shopping history and life story with the brand. Overall results for this catalogue mailing delivered a near 30% uplift in response.

About JP Boden
When he could not find what he wanted in the Johnnie Boden started a clothing business. Boden’s grown in leaps and bounds since the first range took shape on Johnnie’s kitchen table back in 1991. The company is now turning over £200 million a year and employing 800 staff. More than 200 womenswear styles are on offer, as well as extensive ranges of menswear, boys clothing, girls clothing and babies clothes. Boden launched operations in America in 2002, Germany in 2007 and Austria in September 2009.

Contact Details: pr@boden.co.uk
PR Manager
Boden House, 114 – 120 Victoria Road
London
NW10 6NY
0845 677 5050

 

Apparel & Fashion, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping

European Union Cookie Regulations May Change Online Shopping

Leave a comment

Jun 08 2011 /RTPR/ – The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) have recently (26 th May) a mandate which dictating that website operators with the EU gain explicit consent from their visitors before using cookies to track their interaction with the site.

Cookies are, at their most basic, a short line of text placed on to your computer when you access specific sites. The text file is then used to help the browser remember details about the visitor such as what items are held in the basket or whether this is a first time visit or a returning customer.

Forcing visitors to consent to these cookies is designed to make the internet safer. However, many argue this will come at the expense of functionality. It is currently unclear what form displaying consent will come in, it may simply be an opt-in box.

Simon Crisp, Director of shopsafe.co.uk has voiced his concern about this directive, “This is going to add a regulatory and cost burden to digital economy at a time when we don’t need it” Crisp felt that further cookie regulations may add further complications to online shopping which users, new to online retail, would be put off by.

Further issues have been raised by those online experts who use these tracking methods to prove return on investment for their campaigns. Matthew Barker, managing partner of Hit Riddle was keen to mention that without being able to measure the performance of selected ads internet marketers may begin to struggle proving the efficacy of their campaigns.

Without clear indication of how this mandate will be instigated it’s difficult to know what the effect will be. However, it’s clear smaller online retailers may struggle to cover the cost of a ‘cookie audit’ to prove they are in line with the latest regulations.

It is unlikely this will cause online shopping to stumble but rather to shift towards larger etailers. With more and more brands launching their products online (such as the recent FitFlop Rokkit launch from online footwear etailer FitFlop) customers will still be able to get the brands they’re searching for but it maybe that this latest EU regulation causes the smaller independent to abandon traditional online advertising.

Contact Details: Nigel Linton
110 – 114 Corporation Street
Birmingham
B4 6SX

 

Apparel & Fashion, Art, Entertainment, Retail

Extensive New Showroom and Huge Fashion Show Party for Emporium

Leave a comment

Jun 08 2011 /RTPR/ – In the long and winding fashion market, the two partners involved in young fashion manufacturer Emporium have respectively been in the business since 1985 and 1999 – a wealth of experience and impressive insight that they have channelled into their latest project. This impressively unique fashion company provide made in Italy lines to the customers directly; a fashion wholesale specializing in the service of fast fashion and convenient pre-order selection.

Whom and What For

Furthermore, it is clear that this brand new fashion line is aimed at the young men and women of today – those who are interested in remarkable quality clothing whilst retaining the essence of style for this modern age. Emporium aims to spread this message through their production and distribution services that they will be able to offer in the near future, augmented by the opening of the new showroom which will be introduced by a huge after presentation party.

12 th of September 2011 Big Fashion Show in the new showroom located in Bologna Centergross Bloc 22E with Buffet and Presentation of new 2011/2012 Fashion Collection

The company have been seen to be able to adapt quickly and effectively to what can only be described as the mood swings of the European fashion industry, distributing stylistic and astounding pieces of artistic fashion in a positive and progressive manner. This is important in their goal of young fashion wholesale, and an attribute which these two experienced partners have portrayed to be one of their strongest and most appealing points of business.

Brand-new Showroom with Opening Party

Recently, the two partners have come to the decision to introduce a huge, brand new perusing showroom in order to further intensify their progressive aims, taking yet further steps into the world of Italian fashion wholesale productions. The showroom is to denote a fabulously spacious eight hundred square meters of space, in which only the best of the grandeur can be displayed.

However for the introduction of this impressive new feature for Emporium, these experienced pioneers of Italian fashion have organized a large, remarkable fashion show party which will be an event that everyone is sure to remember. Through this ostentatious method of portraying their new showroom, they are sure to create even more interest in their unique fashion collection, made in Italy.

Upon the new opening of the two partners’ new showroom space, an extensive range of fashion products will be ranged for wholesale buyers to peruse, with a fantastic assortment of over one thousand exclusive and exceptional styles that will be instantly available for the wholesale buyer; amongst which include amazing, unique styles for both men and women – and all from what could be called the fashion capital of the modern world – Italy.

Italian quality is somewhat of a fabled and appreciated note that will be added to the collections that Emporium will produce and distribute – and one that will be included in the new fashion line aimed at the young and spritely generation of fashion conscious people of Europe. Emporium hopes to create an entirely new look with their extensive range of styles and quality in this soon-to-be-shown collection of 2011 – a new step and pioneering move in the production and distribution of young fashion styles that are made in Italy and adhere to the impressive quality standards that this country reigns over Europe with. The opening of the new, huge showroom with a spectacular party to match could be the start of an illustrious new line that will enter the world soon enough and with a loud and striking entrance.

Further Contact Information

For more information on the Emporium line as a company, visit www.emporium-moda.com.

For further information regarding the founders and the company itself, the following methods of contact may be utilized:

Contact name: Gianna Casal
Telephone: : +393423734502

E-mail: info@emporium-moda.com

 

Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Home & Garden, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping, Travel

BBQBarbecues Adds Camping & Outdoor Leisure Barbecues from Cadac

Leave a comment

Strengthening their online presence even further BBQBarbecues this week announce their latest addition to the ever expanding e-commerce site with the popular South African Cadac range.

Cadac has been at the heart of South African lifestyle for more than 60 years and is a brand that has been woven into the fabric of every South African home. Cadac is constantly striving to make outdoor adventure more enjoyable through innovative thinking, continuous research and new product development, and as a result is at the forefront of developing solutions and products that meet changing expectations of the consumer globally.

James Pickering, Product Manager of BBQBarbecues commented: “Cadac is one of the most trusted and recognized brands in South Africa and we were very pleased to add another quality range to the website. This year is proving even more popular with portable barbecues it seems, as more and more consumers are taking their holidays in the UK and enjoying outdoor adventures” Mr Pickering went on to say “The weather beyond about a week ahead stretches even the most experienced weather forecaster but with June’s forecast set to be a hot one we are predicting a big growth in sales to rival the ones we witnessed in April”

Cadac offer a timeless range of Patio BBQs and outdoor leisure Barbecues catering for evolving lifestyles and the growing worldwide trend of people seeking ways in which to make the most of Summer living. People need an easy, affordable and universally accessible way to get more value from their precious Summer moments.

Scott Morris, E-commerce Manager of BBQBarbecues said: “Cadac’s wide range of products fulfils the needs of the customer and it is a pleasure to be able to market and sell their range. Due to our combination of online experience, product sourcing capability and the way in which we market these products, these are very exciting times for our business”

BBQBarbecues is the sister company of the ever expanding Plumbworld empire which now has an astonishing 35 different websites specializing in everything from bathrooms and tools to wood burning stoves and barbeques.

Plumbworld was a pioneer of online trading and was started by James and Anita Hickman in 1999 and was later sold to the Grafton Group PLC in December 2006, now employ more than 50 people in their purpose built warehouse and offices and has a turnover in excess of £18 million.

Contact Details: Unit 2 Millenium Court, Evesham

http://www.bbqbarbecues.co.uk

 

Apparel & Fashion, Internet & Online, Retail, Shopping

Compact Footwear Category Showing Huge Growth as Footzyrolls Surpasses $1M mark after only one year in business, New Boho Summer Line is a Best Seller

Leave a comment

NEW YORK – Footzyrolls, the rollable shoe, the leader in the compact Footwear market with over $1M in Sales their first year, has leaped into fashion with their new collection, Bohemian Chic.

Debuting May 10, 2011, it has made a trend setting impact on compact flats. As Footzyroll’s summer collection, it features vibrant tie-dye colors, as well as chic corals and denim with flower piping in different styles. The collection showcases the classic Mary Jane style shoe with a striking look that is perfect for walking around the city or the shore during those hot summer days.

Footzyrolls are transforming comfort and style, and women have come to rely on these stylish flats to provide relief after a long day at work, summer travel, running around with the kids, or a night out on the town. The new Bohemian Chic shoe line embraces the “free spirited” iconic woman of any age. The Bohemian Chic collection will be available at high end boutiques across the country and at www.footzyrolls.com.

Footzyrolls’ innovative design allows them to be rolled up and fit practically everywhere: from the glove compartment in your car, to a tiny evening bag, Footzyrolls are conducive to providing instant relief for your aching feet! The trend for compact footwear was started by Footzyrolls, and this new collection elevates the fashion aspect of this functional flat. Every woman will eventually have at least one pair for every handbag!

Photos of the new collection can be viewed at http://bit.ly/mumpgA and this amazing and vibrant collection is priced from $25 to $30.

Celebrities who have gotten their hands (and feet) on Footzyrolls include: Beyonce, Blake Lively, Brittany Snow, Catherine Zeta Jones, Christina Ricci, Cynthia Nixon, Kendra Wilkinson, Kim Kardashian, Kristen Bell, Molly Ringwald, Rachel Bilson, Rachel Weisz, Rashida Jones, Rihanna, Susan Sarandon, Tinsley Mortimer, Whitney Port and up and coming singer Matisse.

Footzyrolls and the Footzyrolls Luxe Collections are currently sold in major department stores such as Bloomingdales, Macys and Lord & Taylor, as well as over 2,500 other retail stores. Additionally, they recently infiltrated the Las Vegas luxury market, and are now offered at hotels such as the Aria, Bellagio, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, MGM, and the New York, New York. Footzyrolls is a registered Trademark of Rollashoe, LLC. Rollashoe, LLC is the creator of the Footzyrolls rollable shoe and Footzyroll flip-flops. Rollashoe is the world leader in the compact footwear accessories market and strives to make women’s lives fashionable yet functional. The company focuses on the ever changing needs of women.

Contact Details: Jenifer Caplan
1688 Meridian Ave Suite 418
Miami Beach, FL 33139
646-827-0673786-693-8978

Apparel & Fashion, Art, Retail, Shopping

Emporio Armani S/S 2011 Collection Available at TheWatchHut.co.uk

Leave a comment

May 10, 2011 /RTPR/– Make sure you spend your time stylishly this summer with a watch from the new Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2011 collection, available now at the Watch Hut.

New Emporio Armani watches are just waiting to give your wrist a style overhaul, over at the UK’s largest watch website.

Famed for its sexy and youthful appeal, Giorgio Armani’s Emporio Armani brand is one of the most recognised fashion labels on the worldwide market today. Its clothing and accessories output is trendy, smart and cool – and its watches are no exception.

This season’s brand new Emporio Armani watches don’t fix what isn’t broken, providing the brand’s fashion-conscious followers with an extensive choice of sexy, sophisticated designer timepieces that complement the existing collection.

Key trends include the continuing popularity of black and white ceramic models, sporty yet smart chronograph bracelet watches, and contemporary takes on classic leather strap dress watches.

All-new Emporio Armani watches can be viewed on the Watch Hut’s dedicated brand section or within the ‘Latest New Models’ category.

The UK’s largest watch website is home to some of the world’s leading designer watch brands, including another hot Armani off-shoot, Armani Exchange. With over 6000 watches available from more than 60 popular watch brands, the Watch Hut is a one-stop destination for the best in wrist style.

To view Emporio Armani watches, visit the Watch Hut at http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk.

For further information, please contact Luke McNaney at luke.mcnaney@thbaker-watches.co.uk or on 01384 467592.

Company: The Watch Hut
Website: http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk Street address: 95 High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands

###