7-Eleven Named Top 10 Most Innovative Company in Retail

DALLAS – Technology magazine Fast Company named 7-Eleven Inc. as one of "The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies."

Ranked third on the list, 7-Eleven was chosen for its ability to "localize and compartmentalize its stores."

"The brand's partnership with Amazon allows users to have small packages delivered to stores rather than their homes. In 2012, that partnership expanded to five areas globally: New York, Seattle, [Washington], D.C., Silicon Valley and London," wrote the magazine’s staff.

As CSNews Online previously reported, Amazon began its in-store pickup trial in 7-Eleven locations in Seattle, New York state and near Washington, D.C., in September 2011.

The system allows customers to use computerized lockers at 7-Eleven stores as temporary P.O. boxes. When packages arrive, customers will receive an e-mail with a bar code that can be printed or scanned from their phones at the store to reveal a PIN, which they will then use to open the locker and retrieve their package.

The lockers can hold only smaller items that weigh less than 10 pounds, such as books, DVDs and electronic devices like iPads. Shoppers have several days to retrieve their purchases.

The program aims to address the concerns of some urban apartment dwellers who fear they'll miss a delivery or have their items stolen from their doorstep.