7–Eleven is seeking to elevate payment efficiency, testing testing a cashierless store at its corporate headquarters, in Irving, Texas.
During the pilot, which tests the technological potential of the cashless evolution, the 700-square-foot non-traditional store is available to 7-Eleven employees.
7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto commented: “Retail technology is evolving at a rapid pace and customer expectations are driving the evolution. Our team is dedicated to continuing 7-Eleven’s legacy of innovation with industry-leading digital solutions. Most recently that has included our award winning 7Rewards loyalty platform, 7NOW on-demand delivery, mobile checkout, and now our new cashierless store.”
A proprietary mixture of algorithms and predictive technology enables the store system to separate individual customers and their purchases from others in the store. The concept store offers an assortment of the most popular products sold in 7-Eleven stores, including beverages, snacks, food, groceries, over-the-counter drugs and non-food items. The product mix will continue to be refined.
Mani Suri, 7-Eleven senior vice president and chief information officer added: “Ultimately, our goal is to exceed customers’ expectations for faster, easier transactions and a seamless shopping experience.
“Introducing new store technology to 7-Eleven employees first has proven to be a very productive way to test and learn before launching to a wider audience. They are honest and candid with their feedback, which enables us to learn and quickly make adjustments to improve the experience.
“This in-house, custom built technology by 7-Eleven engineers is designed for our current and future customers. We continue to innovate, and coupling fresh, innovative, healthy food options with a frictionless shopping experience could be a game-changer.”
Shopping in the new cashierless 7-Eleven store is simple. To test the store, employees download an app, sign up, check in at the store, enter the store, shop and exit. A detailed receipt appears in the app automatically after the customer exits.
Expert Analysis: The cashierless store is something many are predicting will be the next evolution of the cashless evolution, for 7-Eleven to try and be an early adopter of the cashierless store is a smart move as the group seeks to maximise the latest in payment technology.
