7-Eleven plans to either shutter or convert 645 North American locations while also opening 200 new stores in the same region during its current fiscal year. The newly opened locations will place a greater focus on the company’s “food forward” approach (via Chain Store Age).

Target is helping celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, launching exclusive products as well as a collab with Joe Jonas. “We know our customers love Pokémon, and we worked with the brand to make this 30th celebration really fun and exciting — even tapping long-time fans within our own team to design it,” said Target exec Gigi Guerra (via Chain Store Age).

Walmart is updating both the logo and the packaging of ~10,000 products tied to its private-label Great Value brand. “It’s time after a 10-year cycle to renew the brand and give it a fresh look; something that’s modernized and connects with the customer,” said Scott Morris, SVP of private brands for Walmart U.S. (via USA Today).

Starbucks has launched a beta ChatGPT app in hopes of driving new drink discovery among its most faithful customers. “Over the past year, one thing has become clear: customers aren’t always starting with a menu,” Paul Riedel, Starbucks SVP of digital and loyalty, said (via CNBC).

With AI now becoming much more relevant in terms of product search and discovery in e-comm, it may now be considered an emerging front door to online retail. “Checkout may determine who owns the purchase long term, but discovery now determines who gets considered at all. While everyone debates checkout, AI is already taking hold of the most influential moment in the journey: the first question a shopper asks,” Forbes contributor Michelle Evans wrote (via Forbes).