IDG Contributor Network: Will 7-Eleven build on feat of completing first retail drone delivery?

One small step for man, one giant leap for flying Slurpees. An unexpected winner has emerged in the retail contest for who will be the first to fly a delivery via drone into somebody's backyard: 7-Eleven, of "They actually deliver?" fame.

Yes, they deliver and they have beat Amazon and others to the punch of getting out the first delivery. The planet's largest convenience chain did the flying saucer schtick on July 10 and announced it on July 22, implying that it happened near Reno, Nev. The chain worked with a drone company called Flirtey.

"Once at the family’s backyard, the Flirtey drone hovered in place and gently lowered each package," the 7-Eleven statement said, adding that it actually made two separate deliveries to the residence about one mile from the store. "Products included Slurpee drinks, a chicken sandwich, donuts, hot coffee and 7-Select candy."

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