Following a successful beta program that kicked off a year ago, convenience store giant 7-Eleven, Inc. has opened its first public Evolution Store concept location in Washington, D.C.

It also is prepping a second Evolution concept store slated for San Diego, according to a press release, and plans to expand the concept nationwide during this year.

"These Evolution Stores serve as real-time experiential testing grounds where customers can try the retailer's latest innovations in new store formats. Both stores include a Laredo Taco Company restaurant," stated a press release.

The first Evolution Store exceeded the retailer's expectations and store concepts that resonate with consumers are refined before being incorporated into the next generation of current and new store standards.

"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 in the release. "We will continue to evolve based on customer feedback and we look forward to creating the next generation of convenience together."

The Evolution Stores will offer an assortment of exclusive products, services and features:

  • Made-to-order specialty drinks that give customers the option to customize their drinks in a full-service beverage format including custom hot coffee drinks like flavored lattes, mochas and more as well as custom cold drinks like smoothies, agua frescas and cold brew coffee.
  • Self-serve specialty coffee drinks with the addition of touch-screen machines that brew custom hot coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, espresso shots and more in just seconds.
  • Novelty beverages on tap that dispense cold beverages like tea, cold brew, kombucha, nitro cold brew, flavored drinks and more.
  • Cold treats bar with multiple frozen yogurt and ice cream that can be swirled to create new flavors with multiple toppings.
  • Cookies, croissants and pastries baked fresh in store daily.
  • Mobile checkout  in which customers can skip the checkout counter and pay for their purchases via the 7-Eleven app and accompanying 7Rewards loyalty program.
  • 7NOW Delivery App that allows customers to have their favorite items like fresh food, beverages, snacks, groceries, and household products delivered straight to their door.
  • "The Cellar," an alcove dedicated to an expanded selection of wines and craft beers, with a nearby growler station that features a rotating selection of local craft beer, cider and ales on tap.

Copyright © 2020 Networld Media. All rights reserved., source Industry News