When rolling out facial recognition payment systems in its stores in Guangdong, southern China, 7-Eleven discovered a problem: if someone completing a transaction bent over to get something out of their carry bag, the customer standing behind could end up paying the bill. Danni Peirce, CEO at DFI Retail Group’s 7-Eleven business, whose remit includes stores across Guangdong, told delegates at the recent NRF Apac convention in Singapore the problem was resolved by switching from facial recognition to palm recognition. Since September, contactless palm payment has been introduced in partnership with WeChat into 1700 stores already: the customer just raises their hand in front of a scanner and they’re good to go. No more unexpected grocery bills for customers waiting in line. The introduction of facial recognition and its somewhat rapid replacement by plam scanning reflects what Peirce describes as a high degree of digital savviness in Mainland China, where…

7-Eleven Australia’s latest initiative to reduce textile waste going to landfill focuses on recycling old uniforms. The convenience chain is working with Loop Upcycling (Loop) to turn textiles into stretch fabric beanies. Julie Laycock, general manager – customer at 7-Eleven, said “Having identified old uniforms and other textiles, and learning from Loop Upcycling what the fabrics could be turned into, we collaborated with our community partners The Salvation Army and AMES Australia to determine what would be most useful for their clients.” The beanies were donated to people experiencing homelessness, winter power bill challenges, as well as new migrants and refugees facing a cold Melbourne winter. This collaboration has saved more than 143kg of clothing from landfill. Franco Randazzo, Loop Upcycling CEO, said “Many of the participants who produced the beanies have themselves been supported by organisations like The Salvation Army or AMES Australia. “For them to have the chance…

BLACKBURN, UK: June 7, 2024 – EG Group has today confirmed that it has agreed to sell its remaining UK forecourt business and certain standalone foodservice locations for a headline consideration of £228m to co-founder Zuber Issa. On completion of the transaction, Zuber will step down as Co-CEO of EG Group, with Mohsin Issa continuing to lead the business as sole CEO. Zuber will retain his existing shareholding in the company and remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. TDR Capital and Mohsin’s shareholdings in EG Group also remain unchanged. Lord Stuart Rose, Chairman of EG Group, said: “On behalf of the Board of EG Group, I would like to thank Zuber for his incredible leadership, which has been central to building one of the largest and most entrepreneurial private companies in the UK. EG Group is a UK success story on the global stage that has created significant opportunities…

CHICAGO — Don’t count Foxtrot out just yet. The retailer is expected to open some stores this summer. “A new Foxtrot with some old friends. Coming soon,” said a note posted to Foxtrot’s Instagram account on June 5. Additionally, a spokesperson told NBC Chicago that Foxtrot cofounder Mike LaVitola plans to open several locations in Chicago, Dallas and Austin this summer. The news comes roughly six weeks after Foxtrot suddenly shut down operations in late April. The move followed a merger with Dom’s Kitchen & Market under a new entity, Outfox Hospitality, as Convenience Store News previously reported.  The closure affected 33 Foxtrot locations and two Dom’s grocery stores in the Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Dallas and Austin, Texas, markets. “This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members,” the retailer stated on April 23. “We want to express our…