7-Eleven parent Seven & I Holdings is embracing omni-channel models, planning to use the convenience chain as pick-up outlets for online orders.

Toshifumi Suzuki, CEO of 7-Eleven, says the company plans to allow shoppers buying products online at Seven & I Holdings’ department stores, supermarkets and other retail stores to pick up their orders at 50,000 7-Eleven stores across Japan, which are open 24 hours a day.

Seven & I Holdings also plans to collaborate with other retailers for pick-up arrangements.

“We’ve had lots of approaches from people wanting to be partners,” said Suzuki.

The company has dispatched 50 staff to the US to learn omni-channel strategies from retailers there.

“In the US they observed, they listened and they realised that this was possible, and now they’re all motivated,” he said.