Charlotte 7-Eleven Convenience Store Is Taking This Unusual Approach To Deter The Homeless

A 7-Eleven convenience store in Charlotte is taking a rather unusual approach to deter the homeless. The convenience store on the corner of Wilkinson Boulevard and Ashley Road plays loud music at full blast, day and night. And not just any music -- it's opera music that blasts from the outdoor speakers. What's New at 7-Eleven? On any given day you can see several homeless members hanging out in the parking lot of the West Charlotte 7-Eleven. According to a report by WBTV, a store employee says the loud music seems to be working, but fears it could bring on other issues. Issues like the homeless members staying awake and NOT going to sleep because of the loud music. WBTV reports the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has placed motion-sensitive equipment at the convenience store. Anyone who is near the store activates lights and loud music. Meanwhile, the loud music may annoy some of the homeless members, like Terrance Glover who told WBTV that he and his wife sleep near the gas station when they get tired. He says he doesn't like the music but doesn't have anywhere else to go. Playing loud music outside of the convenience store is not a new tactic for 7-Eleven. The convenience store chain has used the opera music method in other markets. It has been successful at 7-Eleven stores in Jacksonville, Florida, and Seattle, Washington. The opera music playing outside of the Wilkinson Blvd 7-Eleven may open the door for a deeper conversation. Glover says he understands why 7-Eleven is playing the music, but wishes there were more resources for people like him.