7-Eleven adds order pickup, expands delivery footprint

Convenience chain 7-Eleven is looking to make it easier for customers to get in and out of its stores quickly with everything they need. The company has expanded the features in its 7NOW delivery app to include in-store pickup of items that have already been paid for via the app.  

The Irving, Texas-based chain’s COO Chris Tanco said the move was motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the imperative to make shopping as efficient as possible. 

"As people struggle to adapt to new routines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 7-Eleven is committed to helping customers get what they need — when, where and how they need it," said 7-Eleven Chief Operating Officer Chris Tanco. "The new pickup option on our 7NOW delivery app is an example of how we're meeting customer's needs to be in and out of stores quickly with minimal touchpoints and increased physical distancing, while also making life a little easier."

The 7Now app allows customers to pick up a placed order by walking in and bypassing the line when the app indicates it is ready. Eligible products include cold foods, alcohol at participating stores for shoppers of age, household items, pantry needs, over-the-counter medicines, Slurpee and Big Gulp drinks. 

Shoppers can download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then enter their location and select pick up instead of delivery. Items can be paid for in the app and the entire order can be tracked as it is picked, packed and ready for pickup. Once in store, customers show a store associate their four-digit code in the app and pick up the order. 

7-Eleven also is doubling its delivery footprint to ensure that more consumers can access delivery and pickup services. Both experiences will now be available in more than 1,300 cities across almost 2,000 7-Eleven stores. These expansions follow the company's big overhaul of its private label offerings, with Store Brands covered in its February cover story on the retailer. 

The company noted that it also has enhanced its hygiene, handwashing, sanitation, food handling and preparation standards and procedures in its stores as the pandemic continues. Early on in the pandemic, 7-Eleven pivoted to offering its foodservice items as take-and-bake products. Corporate store employees are encouraged to wear masks and gloves when working with customers, and franchise owners are asked to do the same. Additionally, it is supplying customers with access to disposable gloves, tissues and hand sanitizer stations in its stores.