7-Eleven Franchise

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.

Corporate Responsibility

As leaders of the convenience store industry, 7­-Eleven have a huge impact on communities around the world. They aim to use their position for good by protecting the planet, providing high-quality products for customers and by supporting the local communities of which they are a part. 7­-Eleven are continuously implementing changes and are focused on sustainable progress. By 2025, 7-­Eleven aim to reduce their energy footprint in stores and offices by 20 percent and reduce their packaging footprint by 20 percent. These goals were developed by partnering with Conservation International in 2015.

From 2017, 7­-Eleven will give one percent of its operating annual net income back to the community, focusing on expanding their two most successful programmes. ‘Project A­-Game’ has donated more than $900,000 to local schools and youth sports organisations. ‘Operation Chill’ teams up with local law enforcement agencies to reward young people for doing good deeds with a free Slurpee drink coupon.