A UK heatwave is driving a surge in seasonal retail sales, from fans and sun cream to paddleboards and barbecues- while the industry buzzes with major M&A moves including JD.com eyeing The Very Group, Authentic Brands pursuing Lee Jeans, Radley being acquired by Gordon Brothers, and Estée Lauder walking away from a merger. The episode also covers Boots' beauty-only store expansion, Pets at Home's vet-led turnaround, a shocking true-crime story involving Mango's founding family, and ends on a lighter note with Sainsbury's £1 Nectar strawberries.

Tune in next week for more retail news and reflections!