They’ve tried drone deliveries of Slurpees and now 7-Eleven is testing a completely cashierless store at its Irving, Texas headquarters.
The fast-food giant announced the pilot in a news release saying a 700 sq ft, non-traditional convenience store is now operating and available for employees only while it tests out its new cashierless technology.
The concept store offers most of the popular products sold in 7-Eleven stores, including beverages, snacks, food, groceries, over-the-counter drugs, and non-food items. The company said it will continue to refine its product mix along with the technology.
“Ultimately, our goal is to exceed consumers’ expectations for faster, easier transactions and a seamless shopping experience,” said Mani Suri, 7-Eleven senior vice president and chief information officer. “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.”
Proprietary algorithms and predictive analysis
The company’s proprietary algorithms and predictive technology identify and distinguish between customers and their products inside the store.
The technology makes shopping in the new cashierless 7-Eleven store simple. 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.
“Retail technology is evolving at a rapid pace and customer expectations are driving the evolution,” said 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “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.”
This latest project follows tests of 7-Eleven’s Mobile Checkout feature, allowing customers to skip the checkout line and pay using their smartphone in stores at pilot locations. In 28 markets, 7NOW delivery lets customers order and have products delivered to them in addition to other innovations including its 7Rewards® loyalty program, bill payments, and self-service lockers.
We’re not sure if employees in its 11,800 US and 70,000 stores in 17 countries will embrace this newest technology development, but customers may find the convenience and faster checkouts very appealing when they drop by to pick up their next Slurpee, Big Bite, or Big Gulp.
In addition to leading to some very funny new plot twists and turns on The Simpsons TV comedy show, 7-Eleven may put some pressure on Amazon Go’s plans for its own cashierless stores. Nonetheless, 7-Eleven, Amazon and other retailers will have to respond and adapt to rising opposition in some US cities against cashless stores and how that plays into their cashierless store strategies.
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