7-ELEVEN EXPANDS EVOLUTION STORES CONCEPT

February 27, 2020

NACS Daily

The chain brings its new format to Washington, D.C., and San Diego.

IRVING, Texas—7-Eleven announced Wednesday that it is bringing its Evolution Stores concept to Washington, D.C. and San Diego after a successful trial in Dallas last year. The concept stores “serve as real-time experiential testing grounds where customers can try the retailer’s latest innovations in new store formats,” 7-Eleven said. Both stores include a Laredo Taco Company restaurant, and 7-Eleven said it plans to continue to expand the concept into other markets this year.

“7-Eleven’s mission is to give convenience customers what they want, when and where they want it,” said 7-Eleven President and Chief Executive Officer Joe DePinto. “Our evolution stores bring outstanding innovation to life through new food and beverage platforms as well as through digital experiences.”

The 7-Eleven Evolution Stores will offer exclusive products, services and features customized to the neighborhoods and customers they serve. Among them are made-to-order specialty drinks, self-serve specialty coffees, frozen yogurt and ice cream treat bars, fresh baked goods and on-the-go beauty items. The San Diego store will feature “The Cellar,” an alcove dedicated to an expanded selection of wines and craft beers, with a growler station that features a rotating selection of local craft beer, cider and ales on tap.

What’s more, customers can skip the checkout counter and pay for their purchases via the 7-Eleven app and 7Rewards loyalty program.

“These new stores are invaluable learning labs, where new concepts are tailored to meet the needs of the communities they will serve from sunny southern California to the fast-paced world of the East Coast,” said 7-Eleven Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Tanco. “We will continue to evolve based on customer feedback and we look forward to creating the next generation of convenience together.”

The Washington D.C. store is now open at 504 K Street, and the San Diego store at 3504 El Cajon Boulevard will open in the coming months.

Meanwhile, participating 7-Eleven stores have come up with a Leap Day offer that could unite everyone—$2.29 whole pizzas, while supplies last. Pizza lovers can pick up whole pies in store or order pizzas for delivery through 7NOW, the chain’s delivery app. New 7NOW customers will receive a $29 discount on any 7NOW delivery order over $50. The offer is available only on Feb. 29, and customers are limited to five pizzas per order. Shoppers simply add promo code 29OFF50 to the order at checkout.

The oven-baked pizzas are available in cheese, pepperoni and extreme meat. Customers can also order beer or wine on their 7NOW delivery in participating markets.