Convenience store business Seven & I is launching a free home-delivery service in August.

The retailer aims to increase its offer to the elderly, who have difficulty with grocery shopping. The number of Japanese aged 65 or over has reached 29.7 million, accounting for 23% of the population.

Seven & I plans to use 100 compact one-seat electric Toyota COMS in August, increasing the number of delivery vehicles to 200 by September 2012, followed by a roll-out to its entire network in January 2013.