7-Eleven Has Launched Its First Checkout-Free Store in Melbourne

Imagine if your quick trip to the convenience store was even faster and more convenient? Well, this could soon be a reality, as 7-Eleven Australia launches its new cashless, cardless concept store, where transactions are all processed via smartphone.

The app-based technology was first trialled alongside the regular point-of-sale system at the group's Exhibition Street store in the CBD, but this new Richmond store will be the first in Australia to rely on it entirely.

Operating similarly to Amazon's groundbreaking, fully automated grocery store, which opened in Seattle last year, 7-Eleven's new process ditches physical checkout counters in favour of a smartphone app. Customers scan barcodes of their selected items as they move through the store, then pay via the 7-Eleven Mobile Checkout App, which is linked to their credit card.

7-Eleven launches Australia's first cashless and cardless convenience store in Melbourne's inner suburb of Richmond where customers use their smartphones to complete their transactions. https://t.co/AH8jNCtwjU pic.twitter.com/szMtsszQG9

— 7-Eleven Australia (@7ElevenAus) May 29, 2019

According to 7-Eleven, the payment process has been honed to be as quick and user-friendly as possible. And with zero queues, it means means less time waiting to sink your teeth into that late-night sausage roll.

Like Queen Lizzie, we're guessing people will cheat the self-service system — putting pricey Ben & Jerry's tubs through as $1 Slushies — but 7-Eleven says there'll be plenty of staff on hand to greet, assist and keep an eye on the customers.

While no more check-out free stores have been in Melbourne or interstate just yet, the company says it is exploring more "ultimate convenience" options, such as delivery and micro store formats. We'll let you know if it decided to launch any more.

You can find 7-Eleven's new app-driven concept store at 2/658 Church Street, Richmond. You'll need to download the 7-Eleven store app from the Apple Store or Google Play before you shop.