The Retail Innovator Awards were designed to recognize the retail leaders driving positive change for their organizations, whether in the form of new tech implementations, new store concepts or new cultural initiatives. But for the most recent edition in particular, we wanted to spotlight executives who took new-world challenges and turned them into opportunities.
For the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting our 2021 winners because they deserve the extra kudos — and you deserve the inspiration.
Next up is Raghu Mahadevan of 7-Eleven.
Here’s Why Raghu is an Innovator
COVID-19 drastically altered consumer behaviors and expectations throughout 2020 and 2021. As the world’s largest convenience retailer, 7-Eleven, a nearly 100-year-old company, had to innovate faster to provide safe, frictionless shopping solutions for customers. As SVP of Digital for 7-Eleven, Raghu Mahadevan leads all aspects of digital innovation and implementation for the company. He also oversees the entire digital ecosystem for customers, stores, franchisees and vendor partners.
The Results Don’t Lie
Raghu drove key updates to the 7-Eleven app when they were needed most and helped create an advanced digital shopping platform for convenience shoppers. The app now includes:
- 7-Eleven Wallet, which allows customers to securely load funds to use at checkout via credit card, debit card, gift card, Apple Pay or Google Pay;
- Mobile Checkout, so customers can scan and pay for purchases without ever standing in a checkout line;
- Fuel Loyalty, so customers can collect points and discounts on fuel purchases; and
- Delivery through 7NOW, which offers 24/7 delivery of more than 3,000 products.
Want to hear more inspiring stories like Raghu’s? Check out the full report and stay tuned to this blog to learn more about our other winners!
