# VR Convenience Stores This 7-Eleven Features Smart Tables Equipped with VR Technology By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-05-18 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-tables References: [insideretail.asia](https://insideretail.asia/2015/07/28/7-eleven-smart-convenience-store/) & [koreabizwire](http://koreabizwire.com/dance-with-hyeri-at-7-elevens-smart-convenience-store/39153) Last summer, 7-Eleven opened a up a store equipped with smart tables that provide [immersive VR experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snack-vr). Over the years, a number of retailers have turned to technology to elevate the shopping experience. Now it seems that convenience stores are using the same approach to draw in new customers. The 7-Eleven Smart Convenience Store is located on the second floor of the chain's Chinese Embassy store in Seoul. Unlike other 7-Eleven locations, the high-tech shop is equipped with six smart tables. As part of a partnership with SK Telecom, these tables allow customers to play games, surf the web and watch [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rollup-refuel) videos. One of the tables is also equipped with VR technology that brings up a virtual figure named Hyeri, who is a member of the K-pop group 'Girl's Day.' Customers can then dance along with Hyeri and even take photos with the virtual star. The high-tech 7-Eleven store demonstrates how even small retailers and convenience chains can leverage new technology to elevate the in-store experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Immersive Technology:** The use of virtual reality and smart tables in convenience stores provides an immersive shopping experience. - **Enhanced Customer Engagement:** Smart tables and VR technology allow customers to play games, surf the web, and interact with virtual figures, increasing engagement. - **Partnerships with Tech Companies:** Collaborations with telecom companies like SK Telecom enable convenience stores to integrate technology into their offerings. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Incorporating immersive technology in convenience stores creates disruptive innovation opportunities for the retail industry. - **Entertainment:** The use of VR technology and virtual figures in convenience stores opens up possibilities for immersive entertainment experiences. - **Telecom:** Partnerships between convenience stores and telecom companies can lead to innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Contactless Self-Checkout Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holographic-consoles.md) - [Unstaffed Grab-and-Go Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xstore-7.md) - [Metaverse Tech Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dyson-demo-vr.md) - [Experiential Convenience Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/familymart-announced.md) - [Next-Gen Virtual Merch Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benfica-immersive-store.md) - [Augmented Reality Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-store.md) - [Checkout-Free Convenience Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-australia.md) - [Automated Retail Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venhub.md) - [AI-Driven Convenience Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-convenience-stores.md)