Minimum Wage Pressure: Philippines labor groups questioned NCR’s “historic” P85-per-day minimum wage hike, arguing the staggered rollout (P60 by July 19, P25 in Jan 2027) won’t cover higher essentials costs tied to inflation and Middle East-linked oil pressures. Cost-of-Living Retail Relief: South Africa confirmed July fuel cuts (petrol down about R2/litre; diesel down over R3/litre), easing pump pressure after lower oil prices and a stronger rand. Grocery Inflation Watch: UK supermarket Sainsbury’s said grocery inflation is “not as bad as feared,” with June shop inflation steady at 1.2% and sales growth helped by price-matching against Aldi. New Store Openings: Pets at Home and Vets4Pets reopen in the UK after a fire destroyed a nearby practice, with a July 3 grand opening; in Savannah, The Living Vine’s Blessingdales Thrift Store debuts July 15. Retail Expansion & Development: Bahrain’s East Sitra City awarded a lease for its first major supermarket; UK’s Middleton Shopping Centre sold to AG Retail with plans to refill units including B&M and BOYES. Omnichannel Payments Shift: Wendy’s Philippines launched direct ordering via its own Shopify storefront, cutting reliance on delivery-app commissions. Retail Media & Partnerships: Cenomi Centers and MBC Group will build an integrated live media experience at Westfield Riyadh, blending studios with retail and lifestyle programming.