7-Eleven In Canada To Accept WeChat Pay, Alipay

7-Eleven, the convenience store operator, announced on Monday (Nov. 26) that participating stores in Canada will now accept Chinese mobile payment systems Alipay and WeChat Pay.

In a press release, 7-Eleven said it is working with CITCON, the cross-border mobile payment company, to make this a reality. Alipay and WeChat Pay will be available in 35 locations in Vancouver and Toronto. The company said it has plans to expand to more stores during the course of the next few months.

“Digital payments are on the rise, and consumers across the world are embracing them for convenience. 7-Eleven is redefining convenience for our customers across the globe, which includes providing mobile payment solutions,” Gurmeet Singh, chief digital officer and chief information officer of 7-Eleven, said in the press release. “With 67,000 stores worldwide, Alipay and WeChat Pay are just one of many solutions that we provide our global consumers so they can enjoy a frictionless experience in our stores. 7-Eleven is the first convenience retailer to provide Alipay and WeChat Pay mobile payment solutions in Canada, and we continue to drive digital transformation with the latest in consumer-facing mobile technology.”

With the world getting increasingly digital, 7-Eleven has been making a push to roll out services that will enhance the experience for customers. Paying via a mobile device is the norm for Chinese consumers, with cards and cash no longer widely used. By rolling out support for Alipay and WeChat Pay, 7-Eleven said it is providing residents and tourists with a familiar and easy way to make purchases as its stores.

“7-Eleven is no stranger to firsts,” said Doug Rosencrans, VP and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada, in the same press release. “7-Eleven has always sought out innovative ways to provide customers with convenience how they like it, and when they like it. Alipay and WeChat Pay are just another way we are enhancing the customer experience.”