IRVING, Texas — 7‑Eleven, Inc., the company that introduced convenience retailing to the world more than 90 years ago, has hit a significant milestone: the 71,100th 7‑Eleven® store in the world opened in Seoul, South Korea. Today, it is the world’s largest convenience brand.
“7‑Eleven’s iconic orange, green and red stripes are easily recognized in 17 countries around the world,” said 7‑Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “The company got its start because an entrepreneurial ice dock employee saw his customers had a need and came up with a creative way to serve them. A lot has changed in how, when and where 7‑Eleven does business. But one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to put customers at the forefront of all we do.”
Convenience retailing and 7‑Eleven were born in Dallas, Texas, in 1927 when “Uncle Johnny” Jefferson Green, an employee of The Southland Ice Company, had the bright idea to start selling bread, milk and eggs from an ice dock after local grocery stores were closed. In 1946, with stores open from 7 am to 11 pm, the name was changed to 7‑Eleven. Stores started staying open around the clock in 1971.
Today, a new store opens somewhere in the world approximately every 3.5 hours, with each one carrying 7‑Eleven brand favorites along with exclusive items created to appeal to local tastes. With plans for master franchisees to open stores in India and Cambodia soon, 7‑Eleven and its master franchisees and area licensees remain focused on their role as a good corporate citizens as they grows, addressing social and environmental issues important to customers and the communities in which they live and work.
