7-Eleven Taps Employees to Test Cashierless Store Concept

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven is testing a cashierless store with its employees at its Irving, TX, corporate headquarters.

The 700-square-foot pilot store uses proprietary mixture of algorithms and predictive technology to enable the store system to separate individual customers and their purchases from others inside. To shop 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.

“Ultimately, our goal is to exceed consumers’ expectations for faster, easier transactions and a seamless shopping experience,” said Mani Suri, 7‑Eleven SVP and CIO. “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.”

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.

“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 7-Rewards loyalty platform, 7Now on-demand delivery, mobile checkout, and now our new cashierless store.”