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The Retail Podcast
Alex Rezvan
ChatGPT Try-On, UK Footfall Down 2.9% and Refresco IPO
OCT 12, 20263 MIN
/https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/36578527/36578527-1791785379776-bd4e4aea98827.jpg)
Description
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.
00:00 Intro
00:09 UK footfall falls 2.9% in September
00:48 Ocado launches Simple Ingredients aisle
01:05 Myprotein and Krispy Kreme shake at Boots
01:22 ICSC: US shoppers fear holiday gift costs
01:36 ChatGPT adds virtual try-on
01:51 KKR's Refresco weighs IPO above $10bn
02:07 Swedish online sales up 8% in Q2
02:19 Carrefour and Kruidvat sell crypto gift cards
02:33 Chinese retailers push overseas
02:51 Seven & i targets Europe 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/

