ChatGPT Try-On, UK Footfall Down 2.9% and Refresco IPO

ChatGPT virtual try-on puts OpenAI between the shopper and the checkout, while UK footfall fell 2.9% in September and every format went down. Today's briefing also covers Ocado's clean-label aisle, Refresco's possible IPO above $10bn and Seven & i's plan to make Europe a growth pillar for 7-Eleven.

Sources:

- BRC-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor: Budget must deliver for shoppers as footfall drops https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2026/ungated/budget-must-deliver-for-shoppers-as-footfall-drops/

- Grocery Gazette: Ocado Launches 'Simple Ingredients' Online Aisle for Clean-Label Shoppers https://www.grocerygazette.co.uk/2026/10/09/ocado-launches-simple-ingredients-online-aisle/

- Retail Times: Myprotein and Krispy Kreme Protein Milkshake Rolls Into 730 Boots Stores https://retailtimes.co.uk/myprotein-and-krispy-kreme-launch-protein-milkshake-rolling-out-across-730-boots-stores/

- ICSC: ICSC: Nearly Half of US Shoppers Fear Holiday Gift Budget Shortfall https://www.icsc.com/news-and-views/icsc-exchange/icscs-2026-holiday-intentions-survey-finds-consumers-prioritize-holiday-traditions-over-financial-pressures

- Retail Dive: ChatGPT Adds Virtual Try-On for Clothing and Accessories https://www.retaildive.com/news/virtual-try-on-launch-chatgpt/832244/

- ESM Magazine: KKR's Refresco Takes Bank Pitches for Potential IPO Above $10bn https://www.esmmagazine.com/packaging-design/refresco-plots-potential-ipo-at-10bn-plus-valuation-sources-say-323397

- PostNord: Swedish E-Commerce Grows 8% Year-on-Year in Q2, All Sectors Up https://news.cision.com/se/postnord-sverige/r/svensk-e-handel-pa-vag-mot-ny-rekordniva,c4398930

- RetailDetail EU: Carrefour and Kruidvat Add Cryptocurrency Gift Cards to Their Shelves https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/general/carrefour-and-kruidvat-are-offering-cryptocurrencies-on-their-shelves/

- Inside Retail Asia: Chinese Retailers Prioritise Store Quality Over Speed as Overseas Push Accelerates https://insideretail.asia/2026/10/12/why-are-chinese-retailers-looking-overseas-for-growth/

- Inside Retail Asia: Seven & i Sets Europe as 7-Eleven's Fourth Major Growth Pillar https://insideretail.asia/2026/10/12/7-eleven-owner-looks-to-europe-for-next-phase-of-global-growth/