Nearly a year after debuting its first Evolution Store at its Dallas headquarters, 7-Eleven is expanding the concept to Washington, D.C. and San Diego. The stores are designed as experiential testing grounds for new product categories, technologies and services, including mobile checkout and on-demand delivery via the 7NOW Delivery App.
The Washington store has already opened; 7-Eleven plans to open the San Diego location in the coming months and add other Evolution Stores across the country during 2020.
“These new stores are invaluable learning labs, where new concepts are tailored to meet the needs of the communities they serve,” said Chris Tanco, EVP and COO at 7-Eleven in a statement. “We will continue to evolve based on customer feedback and we look forward to creating the next generation of convenience together.”
Like the Dallas store, the new locations include a Laredo Taco Company restaurant, noted for authentic tacos served on handmade flour tortillas made daily from scratch in the stores. Made-to-order specialty drinks, including custom cold drinks such as smoothies, agua frescas and cold brew coffee, will be available as well. Non-food items include national brand electronics, such as tablets and Bluetooth headphones, available for sale from a secure, self-service kiosk, along with expanded skin care, makeup and other health and beauty products.
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7-Eleven has been increasing its focus on customer-facing technology: in February the retailer debuted a 700-square-foot cashierless store at its Irving, Texas headquarters, and 7-Eleven added a voice ordering component to its delivery service in November 2019.
