Convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, is the latest retailer this week to announce free deals for customers via a freshly launched application by Facebook.

The social networking site’s Check In Deals, which was launched this week, offers exclusive deals for shoppers at any of the chain’s Australian stores.

Whilst the marketing tool is already available in the U.S. and throughout Europe, 7-Eleven was one of only a handful of retailers invited to test the functionality of the application in Australia.

During the initial trial, lasting one week from today, customers can check-in at any 7-Eleven store on their smart phone and claim a 450ml bottle of Coke, Coke Zero or Diet Coke for only $1.

Westfield also announced it would be partaking in the trial this week, with shoppers alerted to special discounts available in-store when they check in to Facebook.

7-Eleven’s head of marketing, Julie Laycock, said that Geo-Marketing was the perfect way to engage with customers on-the-go, as the mobile phone is typically the only device people have at point of sale.

“Facebook Check in Deals will be a game changer in the Australian retail space. While there are many websites offering coupons and deals, Facebook Check in Deals highlights deals available where smart phone customers shop and play,” she said.

“Through smart phones and the Facebook Check in Deals application, 7-Eleven can now offer customers a deal that literally sits in their hip pocket.

“With over 92,000 Facebook fans and 500 7-Eleven stores in Australia, the new Facebook Check in Deals platform will enable us to bridge the gap between online engagement and real world experience.”