7-Eleven is Canada’s First Convenience Retailer to Accept China’s Alipay, WeChat Pay

7-Eleven has today announced that it has become Canada’s first convenience retailer chain to start accepting China’s Alipay and WeChat mobile payments. The retailer has collaborated with cross-border payments company CITCON to bring support for Chinese mobile payment systems at 35 7-Eleven locations across Vancouver and Toronto.

According to the retail giant, its new initiative will better service Chinese travelers, 65% of whom use mobile payment platforms while traveling overseas, and engage with over one billion consumers who are actively using Alipay and WeChat as their preferred payment methods.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with 7-Eleven in a joint effort to redefine convenience in Canada”, said Wei Jiang, President of CITCON, in an issued statement to iPhone in Canada. He continued that the explosion of mobile usage and QR-based mobile solutions offers opportunities for retailers to provide an engaging and new retail experience.

“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,” said Gurmeet Singh, Chief Digital Officer & Chief Information Officer of 7-Eleven.

“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.”

A recent survey has found the Chinese to be the most digitized shoppers in the world, and 7-Eleven Canada hopes to provide these customers with an elevated convenience experience.