Consumer Protection: A Philippine senator blasted the Department of Trade and Industry over its “No Return, No Exchange” handling, saying complaints can drag from mediation (up to a month) to adjudication (up to six months), leaving consumers waiting as sellers dodge returns. Retail Pricing: Target is cutting prices on nearly 2,000 items for the holiday season, building on 10,000+ prior reductions, as shoppers grow more pessimistic. Consumer Mood: U.S. consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in September, with households citing high prices and weak wage growth. AI in Retail Ops: Vietnam’s Vinasoy says generative AI retail monitoring cut out-of-stock rates by 20% in two months by boosting display checks across its distribution network. AI Governance: Trump says top AI CEOs signed a “morally binding” self-regulation pact, while tech leaders push for safeguards without locking in heavy rules. Local Business & Markets: Philippines’ DTI Iloilo launched Artesanias de Iloilo, bringing 96 MSMEs to connect makers with buyers. Energy & Industry: Dangote outlined planned Lamu refinery outputs beyond fuels, including polypropylene and base oil for plastics and industrial use.