Retail Real Estate & Store Upgrades: Hawaii’s Kona Seaside Shops in Kailua got a green light for a ~$5m renovation, including demolition of 3 of 5 structures and new dining, kiosks and outdoor seating—aimed at reviving an economically struggling seaside strip. Workforce & Inclusion: John Lewis Partnership will recruit 1,000 care-experienced young people by 2030, doubling its earlier target through its Building Happier Futures programme. Retail Finance & Consumer Access: The UAE launched its first Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk, letting residents invest from Dh1,000 in government-backed Islamic Treasury Sukuk via participating banks. Retail Tech & Operations: Relex Solutions’ VP discussed how retailers are modernising end-to-end planning with AI for forecasting, pricing and sustainability. UK Consumer Demand: UK retail sales volumes rose 1.2% in May, boosted by hot weather and World Cup-related spending, with online non-store sales up 6.1%. Retail Markets & Risk: South Korea’s retail investors are piling into chip stocks via margin loans, pushing borrowing to record levels and prompting some brokerages to tighten rules. Cyber & Data: Kodak confirmed hackers accessed company data and is working with experts after ransom-style claims. Retail Media: B&Q, John Lewis and Tesco are piloting a new retail media initiative, while other players push measurement and network alliances.