7-Eleven is a popular convenience store chain that has been around for almost a century. It has grown into an international brand with over 84,000 stores across 20 countries. However, many people may not know that 7-Eleven is not just a convenience store chain, but it also owns several other companies and brands.
7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., is a Japanese retail conglomerate that owns various subsidiaries and brands. Some of the companies that 7-Eleven owns include Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits. These brands operate throughout the United States and Canada, offering a range of products and services to customers.
Key Takeaways
- 7-Eleven is an international brand with over 84,000 stores across 20 countries.
- 7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., owns various subsidiaries and brands, including Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits.
- These brands operate throughout the United States and Canada, offering a range of products and services to customers.
7-Eleven’s History and Growth
Foundation and Early Years
7-Eleven traces its origins to the Southland Ice Company, which was founded in Dallas, Texas in 1927. The company’s founders, Joe C. Thompson and John Jefferson Green, started selling bread, milk, and eggs in addition to ice blocks to keep up with the Great Depression’s demands. In 1946, the company changed its name to 7-Eleven to reflect its new extended hours of operation, which were from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Expansion and Development
7-Eleven experienced rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s, with the company opening its first franchise in 1964. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company continued to expand its operations in the United States and internationally. By the end of the 1980s, 7-Eleven had become the world’s largest convenience store chain, with over 10,000 stores worldwide.
Global Brand Evolution
In 1991, 7-Eleven was acquired by the Japanese retail conglomerate Ito-Yokado, which helped the company expand its global presence. In 2005, Ito-Yokado renamed itself Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., and 7-Eleven became one of its subsidiaries. Today, 7-Eleven operates in over 20 countries, with more than 70,000 stores worldwide. The brand has evolved to meet customer demands through convenience, variety, and strategic branding efforts. Innovation and corporate responsibility are integral to 7-Eleven’s operational and managerial mindset.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s history is a testament to the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs. From its humble beginnings as an ice company in Dallas to its current status as a global brand, 7-Eleven has remained committed to providing customers with fast, personalized convenience whenever and wherever they need it.
Subsidiaries and Ownership
Seven & I Holdings
7-Eleven is part of the Seven & I Holdings Co. umbrella, a Japanese multinational conglomerate that operates in various sectors such as retail, finance, and food services. Seven & I Holdings Co. is the parent company of Seven-Eleven Japan, which operates and franchises the 7-Eleven convenience store chain in Japan.
Seven-Eleven Japan
Seven-Eleven Japan is a subsidiary of Seven & I Holdings Co. and operates the 7-Eleven chain in Japan. As of 2021, there are over 21,000 7-Eleven stores in Japan, making it the largest convenience store chain in the country.
Speedway LLC
In 2020, 7-Eleven Inc. acquired Speedway LLC, a convenience store chain with approximately 3,800 stores across 36 states in the United States. This acquisition was a transformational move for 7-Eleven, enhancing their influence in the convenience retailing space and bringing the total number of stores to around 14,000 across North America.
Stripes Convenience Stores
Stripes Convenience Stores is a subsidiary of 7-Eleven Inc. and operates over 700 convenience stores in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The acquisition of Stripes Convenience Stores was part of 7-Eleven’s strategy to expand its presence in the southern United States.
Overall, 7-Eleven is part of a large network of subsidiaries and affiliates under the Seven & I Holdings Co. umbrella. The brand has evolved to meet customer demands through convenience, variety, and strategic branding efforts. Innovation and corporate responsibility are integral to 7-Eleven’s operational and managerial mindset.
Product and Service Innovation
7-Eleven has been at the forefront of product and service innovation in the convenience store industry. The company has always been known for its iconic products such as Slurpee, Big Gulp, and coffee. These products have been a staple for the brand and have helped establish its position in the market.
Iconic Products
Slurpee, the frozen carbonated drink, has been a fan favorite for years. The drink is available in a variety of flavors, and customers can even mix and match to create their own unique flavor combinations. Big Gulp, the large fountain drink, is another popular product that has become synonymous with the brand. The company has also been innovating with its coffee offerings by introducing new flavors and brewing methods.
Financial Services
In addition to its iconic products, 7-Eleven has also been expanding its financial services. The company offers a range of services such as bill payment, money orders, and prepaid cards. These services have been a great addition to the convenience store experience and have helped attract new customers. The company has also been innovating in this space by introducing new services such as the ability to cash checks using a mobile app.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s focus on innovation and customer convenience has helped establish it as a leader in the convenience store industry. The company’s iconic products and expanding financial services have been instrumental in attracting and retaining customers.
Market Presence and Strategy
7-Eleven, Inc. is a subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based holding company that also owns other retail brands. The company has a strong market presence in North America and Asia and has been expanding globally in recent years.
North American Operations
In the United States, 7-Eleven operates, franchises, and licenses more than 9,000 stores. The majority of these stores are located on the East Coast, with a significant presence in Texas and California as well. 7-Eleven’s strategy in North America is to focus on convenience, variety, and innovation. The company has implemented various initiatives to meet customer demands, including mobile ordering, delivery, and in-store pickup.
Asian Market Influence
7-Eleven has a significant presence in Asia, with over 20,000 stores across the region. The company’s strategy in Asia is to offer a wide range of products and services that cater to local tastes and preferences. In Japan, for example, 7-Eleven stores offer a variety of ready-to-eat meals, including sushi and bento boxes. The company has also been expanding its presence in China, where it currently operates over 2,000 stores.
Global Expansion
In recent years, 7-Eleven has been expanding its global footprint through acquisitions and partnerships. In 2018, the company acquired 1,100 Sunoco convenience stores in the United States, further expanding its presence in the country. The company has also been expanding in Europe, with a focus on the United Kingdom and Spain. In addition, 7-Eleven has been partnering with local retailers in various countries to expand its reach, including in India and Indonesia.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s market presence and strategy reflect a commitment to convenience, innovation, and meeting local customer needs. The company’s expansion efforts in North America, Asia, and beyond demonstrate a dedication to growth and global reach.
Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
7-Eleven has a long history of partnering with sports and entertainment organizations to promote its brand and products. These partnerships have included deals with major sports leagues such as the NFL and strategic brand collaborations with companies like Coca-Cola.
Sports and Entertainment
One of 7-Eleven’s most notable partnerships is with the NFL. 7-Eleven has been an official sponsor of the NFL since 2010, and the two organizations have worked together on a number of initiatives over the years. These initiatives have included special promotions and giveaways for fans, as well as joint marketing campaigns.
In addition to its partnership with the NFL, 7-Eleven has also worked with other sports organizations around the world. For example, in Ukraine, 7-Eleven has sponsored several major soccer teams, including Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Strategic Brand Collaborations
7-Eleven has also formed strategic brand collaborations with a number of companies in order to promote its products and services. One of the most notable of these collaborations is with Coca-Cola. 7-Eleven and Coca-Cola have worked together on a number of initiatives over the years, including special promotions and product launches.
Other strategic brand collaborations have included partnerships with companies like Red Bull and Nestle. These collaborations have allowed 7-Eleven to expand its product offerings and reach new customers.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s brand partnerships and sponsorships have played an important role in the company’s success. By working with major sports and entertainment organizations and forming strategic brand collaborations, 7-Eleven has been able to promote its brand and products to a wide audience.
Corporate Leadership and Management
Executive Team
7-Eleven has a strong executive team that oversees the company’s operations and strategic direction. The team is led by CEO Joseph M. DePinto, who has been with the company since 2005. Under his leadership, 7-Eleven has continued to expand its footprint and evolve its offerings to meet changing customer demands.
Other key members of the executive team include Stan Reynolds, who serves as the Chief Financial Officer, and Tony Harris, who leads the company’s Corporate Stores division. Ken Hathaway, the Senior Vice President of Strategy, PMO and Transformation, is responsible for driving innovation and growth across the organization.
Strategic Vision
7-Eleven’s strategic vision is focused on delivering fast, personalized convenience to customers anytime, anywhere. The company’s leadership team is committed to innovation and corporate responsibility, and works to ensure that 7-Eleven continues to meet customer demands through convenience, variety, and strategic branding efforts.
As a subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., 7-Eleven is part of a large network of subsidiaries and affiliates. The relationship between 7-Eleven and its Japanese affiliate has been a key factor in the company’s success, as it has allowed for the sharing of best practices and the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s leadership and management team is focused on driving growth and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to corporate responsibility. With John P. Thompson as the Chairman of the Board, the company continues to evolve and adapt to changing customer needs and market trends.
Customer Engagement and Loyalty
7-Eleven has always been focused on customer engagement and loyalty. The company’s loyalty program, 7Rewards, is designed to reward customers for their loyalty to the brand. The program allows customers to earn points for every purchase they make at 7-Eleven stores. These points can be redeemed for free merchandise, discounts, and other rewards.
In addition to its loyalty program, 7-Eleven has also implemented several other initiatives to engage with customers. The company has launched a mobile app that allows customers to order and pay for their purchases using their smartphones. This makes the shopping experience more convenient for customers and helps to build loyalty to the brand.
As a franchise retailer, 7-Eleven has also worked hard to build relationships with its franchisees. The company offers training and support to franchisees, helping them to run their stores more efficiently and effectively. This has helped to create a strong network of franchisees who are committed to the success of the brand.
The convenience store industry is highly competitive, and 7-Eleven has worked hard to stay ahead of its competitors. The company has invested heavily in technology and innovation, launching new products and services that are designed to meet the changing needs of customers. This has helped to establish 7-Eleven as a leader in the convenience store industry.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s focus on customer engagement and loyalty has helped to build a strong brand that is trusted by customers and franchisees alike. The company’s commitment to innovation and technology has helped it to stay ahead of its competitors, and its loyalty program has helped to build a strong base of loyal customers.