It just means that they would like someone to give them some guidance on whatever it is they're doing.

because of "pondering the mystery of each other", "we kept to ourselves" sounds to me like it means not telling each other anything about themselves.

I suppose they are retailers because they sell things, but in the UK, 'Retailers' tends to refer to shops rather than bars/pubs/restaurants.

If he only made one comment, then you would say "His comment on that issue is/was baffling" If he made several comments, then you say "His comments on that issue are/were baffling". Also, I can't really think of a situation where I would say

Do you actually mean 'ins & outs'? If so it means 'in detail' or to have a good knowledge of. To know, for example, the ins & outs of traffic regulations. It's used informally.

Sounds ok to me. It really means spending time together then going off and doing their own thing and then meeting up again afterwards. However, if you think that those reading it might not understand, then include the (women continuing shopping,

Non food retailers would probably be ok because bars/pubs/restaurants would be classed as leisure sector rather than the retail sector.

fine.

CalifJim wrote: the first ( I'll attend ) is more like a promise to do something; the second ( I'll be attending ) is more like a description of something you know is going to happen. CJ Nicely put!

Yes, there's a slight difference. "I'll attend the training" is confirming that you will attend the training. "I'll be attending the training" would be used in a situation after you've confirmed that you'll attend the training. For