Dive Brief:

• 7-Eleven is offering shoppers free delivery on more than 3,000 items through its 7NOW app through April 30, the retailer announced on Wednesday. To prompt free delivery customers need to apply the promo code “FREE4U” at checkout. 

• The retailer will also offer a contactless option for consumers who prefer that the delivery driver drop off their items at their front door, the company noted in a statement. 

• The 7NOW delivery app is available in almost 400 cities, per the company statement. Deliveries generally take 30 minutes, but the retailer noted times could be longer based on demand.

Dive Insight:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the retail sector, 7-Eleven was improving its in-store and mobile tech offerings. Last August, 7-Eleven debuted mobile checkout in its New York City stores. Back in September, the retailer began using Microsoft tech to analyze point-of-sale trends and other in-store insights. Just this February, the convenience store chain was testing out a cashierless-store concept. 

As government officials order many people to stay home, retailers’ investments in technology could prove fruitful. Grocery apps have seen a surge in downloads, with Instacart, Walmart Grocery and Shipt increasing daily downloads over the past month by 218%, 160% and 124% respectively. Target’s app also jumped 98% in average downloads, though downloads of takeout delivery apps have seen some declines, according to a report from Apptopia. 

While retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target have had to adjust to accommodate increased demand, it appears that 7-Eleven wants to be another option for consumers to get their basic necessities. 

“7-Eleven is a neighborhood store known for convenience, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help shoppers get what they need, where and when they need it, especially during this unprecedented pandemic,” 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto said in a statement. “As citizens do the right thing by social distancing, quarantining, or sheltering in place, we want to make it easy for them to access essential food and household items.”