7-Eleven is the world’s largest convenience store chain, which impressively adds a new store to its worldwide operations every three and a half hours. Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1927, the chain has grown from its humble beginning as an ice company that started selling milk, bread and eggs in stores. The business now operates in 17 countries, focusing on convenience-oriented products to meet the needs of its customers. 7-Eleven pioneered many industry firsts for convenience store retailers, including operating 24 hours a day, selling coffee in to-go cups in 1964, selling pre-paid phone cards, airing a TV advertisement in 1949 and offering ATM services in 1984.
7-Eleven began franchising their concept in 1964. They signed the first United States area licensing agreement in 1968 and the first international licensing agreement with Mexico in 1971. The first European 7-Eleven store was opened in Stockholm, Sweden in 1978. The company now has 534 franchise units in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
| Year established | 1927 |
| Year franchise established in Europe | 1978 |
| Number of units in Europe | 406 |
| Number of units worldwide | 68,236 |
7-Eleven is a brand known and trusted around the world. They are consistently ranked as a top five franchisor for their proven franchise model and the support they provide to franchisees. A 7-Eleven franchise store is a turnkey business and comes fully operational. Single-unit, multi-unit and business conversion options are available. They support franchisees with their own Sales Representative and Field Consultant to advise and guide them as they begin their franchise ownership. Franchisees can be up and running their own 7-Eleven store in three to six months following the submission of their franchise application. Unlike some franchisors, 7-Eleven shares profits with franchise owners.
7-Eleven franchisees are supported from the beginning with real estate, zoning, store build and equipment all taken care of by the company. Franchisees are provided with training on the brand, in-store training and advice on the day-to-day challenges of running a business.
Through a veterans’ franchising programme, successful military veteran applicants can receive up to 20 percent off the initial franchise fee. The programme is structured, focused and extremely success orientated, suiting the career goals of many military veterans.
