Enterprise AI Push: Meta unveiled a new AI “Business Agent” at Conversations in London, able to answer customer questions, recommend products, book appointments, and close sales across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram—built on earlier agent tools used by 1M+ businesses. Retail & Consumer Demand: Ulta Beauty reported Q1 prestige gains despite pressure on shoppers, while Macy’s posted better-than-expected Q1 results and raised outlook, citing differentiated assortments and events. Banking Disruption: Lloyds Banking Group suffered a multi-hour outage that locked millions out of apps and online banking, and HSBC customers reported ISA transfer delays after a cashback promo overwhelmed processing. Payments & Small Business: Reading Cooperative Bank adopted Rebolt’s small-business payment tool to keep payments inside the bank’s digital platform. Brand Distribution: Skechers India tapped Brandman Retail as an authorized reseller/marketplace manager to control pricing and authenticity. Energy Costs: Bangladesh’s regulator raised retail electricity tariffs, warning of inflation spillovers. Consumer Safety: New York flagged funeral fraud and end-of-life identity theft scams. Supply Chain & Industry: RFMW expanded its distribution deal with Innovative Power Products worldwide.