7-Eleven Pilots Cashierless Store Concept

7-Eleven announced the company is performing a test-run of a cashierless store concept at its corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas. During the pilot, the 700-square-foot non-traditional store is available to 7-Eleven employees.

“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.”

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.

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

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. This system is just one of the innovative concepts 7-Eleven has released. This latest project follows on the heels of 7-Eleven’s Mobile Checkout feature, which allows customers to skip the line and pay using their smartphones in stores at pilot locations. 7Now delivery services take the brand out of the store, which enables customers to order and have products delivered to them.