7-Eleven, Inc., the company that introduced convenience retailing to the world more than 90 years ago, has hit a major growth milestone – topping 70,000 stores. Shoppers can visit the world’s largest convenience retailer in 17 countries and regions around the globe. The first 7-Eleven store in India is expected to open this year, expanding the company’s operations to 18 countries.
“Over 93 years we’ve grown from a small local ice house in Oak Cliff, Texas to a global and iconic brand that is 70,000 stores strong,” said 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “That strength is due to a relentless focus on meeting the needs of our customers. We’ll continue to place our customers at the forefront of all we do.”
Last year, 7‑Eleven opened one store approximately every 3.5 hours. As 7-Eleven continues to grow, the company remains focused on its role as a good corporate citizen, addressing social and environmental issues important to customers and the communities in which they live and work.
Convenience retailing, and 7-Eleven were born in Dallas, Texas, in 1927 when an employee of The Southland Ice Company (now 7-Eleven, Inc.) began selling bread, milk and eggs from an ice dock after local grocery stores were closed. Unlike grocery stores, ice docks were open 16 hours a day, — from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – seven days a week. With the invention of refrigeration eliminating the need for ice stores, Southland transformed its locations into convenient neighborhood markets.
