7-Eleven adds contactless pay delivery option; details enhanced cleaning, safety measures

7-Eleven has added a new payment option to customers concerned about contact amid the coronavirus outbreak. 

The convenience store chain is now offering a contactless delivery option that allows customers who order through its delivery app to indicate that their delivery be "contactless," with the goods left at the door by the driver. Items available include beverages, fresh and hot foods, household items, groceries and more.  

In addition, 7-Eleven has enhanced its standards and procedures for hygiene, handwashing, sanitation, food handling and preparation in stores and increased the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces. It also is implementing precautionary measures for all fresh food offerings: All open-air fresh food items will now be clerk-served including taquitos, hot dogs, hot chicken wings and tenders and pizza; and daily-delivered fresh bakery goods, as well as any items baked in-store, will now be sold pre-packaged.

In addition, the fresh condiment bar has been replaced with a selection of pre-packaged condiments, and stores have discontinued the use of personal cups for hot and cold dispensed beverages.

7-Eleven said that a leadership team at the company's store support center is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to make the best adjustments,

"7-Eleven stands committed to providing our customers with what they want, when and where they want it even during this health crisis," said 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto. "We are monitoring the situation closely and prioritizing the health of customers, employees and Franchisees across more than 9,000 U.S. stores. We know our stores serve an important role in the communities in which we operate, and we are dedicated to providing the products and services our customers need."