When most people picture 7-Eleven, they imagine the small convenience Store with one or two cashiers inside. Not too long ago, the convenience store chain began testing out a model that would challenge this view and help it remain competitive: the cashier-less store. This test run lets the convenience store chain compete with Amazon Go and other stores that have been toying with the idea of running without cashiers.

The Initial Tests

The initial tests for 7-Eleven’s cashier-less self-checkout system were announced in very late 2018 and it recently resurfaced in the headlines. The original concept was tested in Japan, where there is a labor shortage. The strategy was to rely on facial recognition as a way to authenticate shoppers as well as enable them to check out by themselves.

There were also early tests for 7-Eleven’s system called Scan & Pay. This is a mobile checkout process that involves customers scanning product QR codes, then paying via the mobile application. That particular pilot began in Dallas with plans to expand.

Benefits for the Store and Customers

The idea behind the rising trend in cashier-less stores is to save the company money while offering speed and convenience for the customers. The Amazon Go model, for example, does not require customers to line up by a register, saving them time.

At the same time, any company that opts to reduce or eliminate cashiers will experience savings on labor. There will be up-front costs for the new systems and their integration, but those pay for themselves quickly in terms of labor and benefits.

The Most Recent Development for 7-Eleven and Cashier-less Stores

More recently this year, 7-Eleven launched a new store in Dallas referred to as its “lab store.” This store includes the cashier-less systems as well as a range of items not typically found in 7-Elevens. Some examples of those unique features include patio seating, smoothies, special coffees, fresh-baked cookies and croissants, a frozen yogurt bar, craft beer, wine, and tacos.

The scan and pay system adds a level of convenience within the store. At the same time, there are no concerns about the scan and pay system taking away jobs in that particular lab store since the range of offerings means that the store must hire more employees than typically found in a convenience store.

If the lab store in Dallas is a success, expect to see 7-Eleven not only expand its scan and pay program but also its offerings, at least in key locations.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2018/12/02/7-eleven-is-trying-to-catch-up-with-amazon-go-cashierless-stores/#16c273534e5f

https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/05/7-eleven-is-bringing-cashier-less-payments-to-its-stores/

https://www.businessinsider.com/7-eleven-store-future-opens-scan-pay-tech-2019-4

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