7-Eleven

7-Eleven, Inc.
	File:7-Eleven logo.svg Logo since 1968 featuring a lowercase "n"
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Convenience stores
Predecessor	Southland Corporation
Founded	January 1, 1927; 99 years ago in Dallas, Texas, United States
Founder	Joe C. Thompson Sr.
Headquarters	Irving, Texas, United States
Area served	Worldwide (20 countries and territories)
Key people	Joseph DePinto (CEO), Stan Reynolds (President)
Products	Ready-to-eat foods, beverages (Slurpee, Big Gulp), fuel, coffee, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, hot meals, dairy products, soft drinks, energy beverages, fruit juices, donuts, financial services, delivery services
Owner	Seven-Eleven Japan (parent company)
Parent	Seven-Eleven Japan (part of Seven & I Holdings)
Website	www.7-eleven.com

7-Eleven, Inc. is a prominent American convenience store chain with its headquarters located in Irving, Texas. It functions as a fully owned subsidiary of Seven-Eleven Japan, which is itself a component of the retail conglomerate Seven & I Holdings.

The company originated in 1927 as the Southland Ice Company based in Dallas, initially operating ice house storefronts before transitioning into convenience stores branded as Tote'm Stores from 1928 until 1946. The name was changed to 7-Eleven in 1946 to highlight the extended operating hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Southland Corporation began franchising operations in 1961. In 1973, the Japanese supermarket operator Ito-Yokado collaborated with Southland to establish 7-Eleven outlets in Japan under the entity Seven-Eleven Japan. By 1991, Ito-Yokado acquired a majority interest (70%) in Southland Corporation, which was subsequently renamed 7-Eleven, Inc., and completed full acquisition by 2005, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven-Eleven Japan. That same year, Ito-Yokado restructured into the holding company Seven & I Holdings, with 7-Eleven, Inc. positioned beneath Seven-Eleven Japan.

As of August 2024, the company manages, franchises, and licenses roughly 85,000 stores spanning 20 countries and territories worldwide. Its global presence includes the United States, where it also owns Speedway LLC—operating mainly in the Midwest and East Coast—and Stripes Convenience Stores in the West South Central area. These subsidiaries complement the principal 7-Eleven brand across vital U.S. markets. Moreover, several A-Plus locations licensed from Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners have been rebranded to carry the 7-Eleven name.

The leadership team features CEO Joseph DePinto and President Stan Reynolds. The company’s operational strategy centers on convenience retailing, offering a range of products from ready-to-eat foods and beverages to fuel sales.

Etymologies

The original Dallas stores were called "Tote'm Stores" because patrons would "tote" or carry out their purchases. Some locations displayed "native" totem poles as part of their exterior design. The rebranding to "7-Eleven" occurred in 1946 to emphasize extended hours of operation—from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.—seven days weekly. In July 1999, the U.S.-based corporate name was officially changed from "The Southland Corporation" to "7-Eleven Inc."

Since 1968, the company’s logo has featured a lowercase n, an alteration proposed by the wife of then-president John P. Thompson Sr., intended to create a softer visual impression.

History

In 1927, John Jefferson Green, an employee at Southland Ice Company, began selling basic grocery items through ice house storefronts in Dallas with backing from founder Joe C. Thompson Sr., who transformed Southland Ice Company into Southland Corporation overseeing multiple sites.

In 1928, a totem pole was placed outside one store as a promotional feature, inspiring an Alaska Native theme for branding and leading to the "Tote'm Stores" name. That same year, Southland experimented with service stations and introduced standardized employee training and uniforms to ensure consistent customer service.

The company faced near bankruptcy during the Great Depression in 1931 but survived through restructuring efforts and bond sales orchestrated by banker W. W. Overton Jr., resulting in ownership being transferred to a board of directors.

In 1946, the chain adopted the name 7-Eleven to reflect its new extended hours. By 1963, it pioneered round-the-clock service starting in Austin, Texas, subsequently expanding this model to other cities. The franchising model began in that year with the acquisition of Speedee Mart stores in California and was further expanded through its first area licensing agreement in Michigan in 1968.

During the late 1980s takeover threats emerged; consequently, the Thompson family led a $5.2 billion management buyout in 1987 under CEO John Philp Thompson Sr. However, this buyout coincided with the stock market crash of that year and forced asset divestitures including Chief Auto Parts and Reddy Ice units between 1987 and 1990 to reduce debt burdens. This downsizing resulted in many urban stores being lost to competitors.

In October 1990, Southland filed for pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, transferring majority ownership (70%) to Japanese partners Ito-Yokado and Seven-Eleven Japan following a $430 million cash injection in March 1991. The Thompson family retained a minority shareholding.

In 1999, Southland Corporation rebranded as 7-Eleven, Inc., concentrating exclusively on convenience store operations. Seven-Eleven Japan completed full ownership acquisition by 2005 and announced plans for U.S. expansion adding an additional 1,000 outlets by 2007.

By 2010, for seventeen consecutive years, 7-Eleven ranked third on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list and launched an environmentally certified concept store in Florida that year.

In 2020, the company revealed plans for a $21 billion purchase of Speedway gas stations significantly broadening its U.S. market presence.

In 2021, it initiated a $70 million marketing campaign highlighting its transition beyond traditional convenience goods toward offering restaurant-quality food selections.

On August 19, 2024, rival Alimentation Couche-Tard (owner of Circle K) proposed acquiring Seven & i Holdings; however, on September 6, Seven & i Holdings rejected this bid as insufficient and risky while remaining open to improved offers.

On March 6, 2025, Seven & i Holdings announced intentions to spin off its U.S.-based store operations into a publicly traded entity by late 2026 and appointed Stephen Hayes Dacus as the first non-Japanese CEO for this division.

Products and services

In the United States, 7-Eleven provides a diverse selection of items, prominently featuring its iconic Slurpee beverages, which debuted in 1965, and the Big Gulp drinks introduced in 1976. The product lineup also includes the proprietary 7-Select brand, freshly brewed coffee, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, baked goods, hot meals, fuel, dairy products, soft drinks and energy beverages, fruit juices, donuts, financial offerings, and delivery services.

The company is distinguished by its oversized beverage options and continuous 24-hour operation. It serves drinks in sizes reaching up to 128 ounces (Team Gulp), which were among the largest soft drink portions available at their launch. These substantial servings have become integral to 7-Eleven’s market presence and brand image. For instance, the proposed large soda restriction in New York City was commonly associated with 7-Eleven’s Big Gulp, although such restrictions did not directly affect its outlets.

In 2012, the Double Gulp size was scaled down from 64 to 50 ounces to better accommodate vehicle cup holders; this adjustment was independent of regulatory influence. Highlighting its commitment to retail innovation, in February 2020 the company unveiled a cashier-free store at its Irving, Texas headquarters.

Cambodia

On August 30, 2021, 7-Eleven partnered with Thailand's CP Group to inaugurate the first store in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changvar area. Plans were announced to open a minimum of six additional locations within that year. The company targets sourcing at least half of its Cambodian inventory from local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

China

7-Eleven entered the Chinese market in 1992 by opening its initial outlet in Shenzhen. Expansion followed into key urban centers including Beijing (2004), Tianjin and Shanghai (2009), Chengdu (2011), Qingdao (2012), Chongqing (2013), Hangzhou and Ningbo (2017), Nanjing (2018), as well as Wuhan, Xi'an, and Fuzhou (2019). The stores provide a wide assortment of products such as warm foods like steamed buns and onigiri, beverages including alcohol, sweets, and magazines. Most locations operate around the clock. As of September 2021, there were 2,582 7-Eleven stores throughout mainland China.

Hong Kong

Established in Hong Kong in 1981 under the ownership of the DFI Retail Group (previously Dairy Farm International), 7-Eleven had grown to operate 964 outlets by 2012, with franchised stores accounting for 563 of them. Hong Kong holds the position of having the second-highest store density globally after Macao. The Octopus card is widely accepted for payments across all stores, covering utilities and public housing rent.

The franchise contract was finalized in November 1980 between Southland Corporation and Jardine Matheson. The first outlet opened on April 3, 1981, in Happy Valley. The chain experienced rapid growth throughout the 1980s; by 1987 it had established its 200th location. Ownership was transferred to Dairy Farm in 1989.

By July 1999, Octopus card readers were installed in every store. In September 2004, Dairy Farm expanded its network by acquiring Daily Stop’s portfolio of 84 stores primarily located in transit areas and converting them into 7-Eleven branches.

In 2009, "7 Café" was launched at a Quarry Bay store featuring classic Hong Kong street food and milk tea; this concept later evolved into "Daily Café" and "Hot Shot" brands available at selected locations across Hong Kong.

India

On 7 October 2021, Reliance Retail revealed a collaboration to introduce 7-Eleven outlets in India, following Future Group's withdrawal due to unmet expansion goals and fee requirements. The inaugural store launched on 9 October 2021 in Mumbai, located at Blue Fortuna, Military Road, Marol, Andheri East. Initially open around the clock, the store later shortened its hours, closing at midnight. Presently, 7-Eleven operates across Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Mira-Bhayander, and Vasai-Virar.

Indonesia

7-Eleven entered the Indonesia market in 2008 through a master franchise agreement with Modern Sevel Indonesia, concentrating on Jakarta's business districts. The network expanded to 190 stores by 2014 but decreased to 166 locations by September 2016. Due to insufficient sales performance, 7-Eleven withdrew from Indonesia in 2017.

Israel

In October 2021, 7-Eleven signed an agreement with Electra Consumer Products to establish hundreds of outlets in Israel. The initial store opened in January 2023 within Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Center. Electra aimed to open around 400 stores, with approximately 300 managed by franchisees. Despite these plans, the project ultimately did not succeed, and the stores were sold off in May 2024.

Japan

Japan hosts the largest concentration of 7-Eleven stores worldwide, totaling 21,668 locations—representing nearly a quarter of the company's global network of over 85,000 outlets as of mid-2018. Tokyo alone contains 2,824 stores. Operations in Japan are overseen by Seven & I Holdings' subsidiary Seven-Eleven Japan, which serves as the direct parent company of 7-Eleven, Inc. Since September 2005, Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. has managed brands including 7-Eleven, Ito-Yokado, and Denny's Japan.

By July 2019, the brand had expanded into all 47 prefectures, including new sites in Okinawa Prefecture. Compared to other countries, Japanese stores provide a wider variety of products and services and attract international visitors with Seven Bank ATMs that accept foreign debit and credit cards for yen withdrawals.

Sustainability efforts feature solar panel installations and LED lighting in around 1,400 locations. In July 2019, a mobile payment platform named 7pay was introduced but was soon suspended following a security breach that enabled unauthorized transactions from customer accounts.

Laos

On August 31, 2020, a master franchise agreement spanning 30 years was announced between 7-Eleven and Thailand's CP Group to enter the Laos market. The first outlet was planned for Vientiane in 2022 and officially opened on September 7, 2023, situated on Souphanouvong Road in Nongpanai Village within the Sikhottabong district, marking the company's entry into this developing market.

Macau

7-Eleven made its debut in the Macau market in 2005 through Dairy Farm, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate responsible for managing 7-Eleven outlets in Hong Kong. By 2024, Macau's relatively small market accommodates approximately 45 stores, demonstrating consistent growth within the region.

Malaysia

The Malaysian branch of 7-Eleven is operated by 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., which oversees a network of 3,225 stores across the country. Established on June 4, 1984, as a collaborative venture involving Jardine Matheson, Innovest, and Antah Holdings group, the company launched its inaugural outlet in October 1984 at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. A significant achievement was reached in July 2016 with the opening of its 2,000th store at Jalan Klang Lama, highlighting robust expansion and deepening market presence.

Philippines

In the Philippines, Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC) manages 7-Eleven operations. The first outlet commenced business on February 29, 1984, located at the intersection of EDSA and Kamias Road in Quezon City.

On July 28, 1988, PSC transferred its licensing rights to Phil-Seven Properties Corporation (PSPC), acquiring a 47% stake in PSPC. A merger between PSC and PSPC occurred in 1996 to facilitate PSC’s growth ambitions, with PSC remaining as the continuing entity. In 2000, Taiwan’s President Chain Store Corporation (PCSC) secured majority ownership in PSC, forging a strategic partnership within the convenience store industry.

In February 2009, a non-exclusive agreement was signed between 7-Eleven and Chevron Philippines to establish outlets at select Caltex fuel stations nationwide.

Expansion beyond Luzon began in 2012 with a new store in Cebu City, followed by openings in Bacolod City (2013), Iloilo City (2014), and both Davao City and Cagayan de Oro (2015). Subsequently, stores were introduced to smaller towns surrounding these urban centers.

In February 2020, a collaboration with GCash enabled customers to use scan-to-pay features via the mobile wallet application. The COVID-19 pandemic’s economic effects led PSC to halve its planned store openings from 400 to 200 for that year. By July 2021, the network celebrated its 3,000th store launch in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

On October 15, 2024, commemorating its 40th year of operation, 7-Eleven Philippines inaugurated its landmark 4,000th outlet located in Newport, Makati City.

Singapore

As of February 2018, 7-Eleven stands as Singapore’s largest convenience store chain with a total of 393 outlets. The brand operates under DFI Retail Group (previously Dairy Farm International Holdings) through a licensing arrangement with 7-Eleven Incorporated. The initial store opened on Upper Changi Road in June 1983. In 1989, Cold Storage Singapore—a subsidiary of DFI—acquired the franchise license.

In 2006, Shell Singapore formed a partnership with 7-Eleven to convert 68 Shell Select outlets into branded convenience stores under the 7-Eleven banner. This collaboration concluded in October 2017 when the remaining 52 Shell petrol station locations reverted back to Shell Select branding.

South Korea

7-Eleven commands a prominent position within South Korea's convenience store sector, rivaling competitors such as CU and GS25. With a total of 11,067 locations, it ranks third globally in store quantity, following Japan and Thailand. The inaugural outlet debuted in Seoul in May 1989 under a franchise agreement with the Lotte Group. In January 2010, Lotte expanded its footprint by acquiring Buy the Way’s network of 1,000 stores, subsequently converting them into 7-Eleven branches.

In 2021, 7-Eleven collaborated with a South Korean nonprofit organization to create employment and franchising prospects specifically for North Korean defectors.

Lotte further strengthened its market presence in January 2022 by purchasing Ministop Korea Co. for 313.37 billion won (approximately $263 million), initiating a gradual rebranding of all Ministop outlets into 7-Eleven stores.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s largest convenience store chain is 7-Eleven, managed by President Chain Store Corporation (PCSC), which operates as a subsidiary of Uni-President Enterprises Corporation. The initial launch included 14 stores in 1979; however, early financial performance was challenging. Through collaboration with Southland Corporation, Uni-President revamped the stores and emphasized Asian cuisine offerings, achieving profitability by 1986. Key milestones include reaching the 5,000th store in July 2014, the 6,000th in February 2021, and the 7,000th in July 2024. In 2018, PCSC introduced the unmanned X-Store concept and formed a partnership with Domino's Pizza in 2019 to provide freshly baked items within their outlets.

During the early 2000s, a joint initiative between 7-Eleven Taiwan and Dentsu resulted in the creation of Open-Chan, a corporate mascot that has become an influential marketing tool and cultural symbol, particularly resonating with younger demographics. The mascot later expanded into Japan, demonstrating the brand’s strategic leadership in consumer engagement across markets.

Beyond retail operations, President Chain Store also runs ibon mobile, a mobile virtual network operator offering prepaid and postpaid SIM cards via the FarEasTone network, thereby broadening its service portfolio into telecommunications.

This comprehensive business strategy and innovative mindset have reinforced 7-Eleven Taiwan’s competitive position and substantial market share.

Thailand

The first Thai branch of 7-Eleven commenced operations on June 1, 1989, located on Patpong Road in Bangkok. The network consists of both company-owned stores (45%) and franchises (55%). CP All Public Company Limited, a publicly listed entity under the Charoen Pokphand Group umbrella, has held franchise rights for Thailand since 1988. By 2022, CP All managed 13,838 outlets nationwide, an increase from 12,432 in 2020. In 2018 alone, CP All reported revenues of 335,532 million baht generated by the brand. Holding approximately a 70% share of Thailand’s convenience store market, it competes against around 7,000 other convenience stores such as FamilyMart, alongside roughly 400,000 small local shops. Thailand ranks second worldwide in terms of the number of 7-Eleven locations after Japan.

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts, CP All announced plans in November 2018 to eliminate single-use plastic bags from its stores. By January 2020, this initiative had expanded to include commitments from 7-Eleven along with 42 other Thai retailers to cease distributing plastic bags. Nevertheless, the use of plastic bags and straws remains prevalent among many retailers throughout Thailand.

United Arab Emirates

In June 2014, Seven & I Holdings collaborated with Seven Emirates Investment LLC to introduce the first 7-Eleven store in the Middle East, located in Dubai, UAE. The plan aimed for approximately 100 outlets by the conclusion of 2017. The initial store commenced operations in October 2015. By January 2018, the number of stores had reached 13; however, 7-Eleven subsequently withdrew from the Dubai market.

Vietnam

Vietnam became the seventeenth nation to host a 7-Eleven when its inaugural store launched on June 15, 2017. The brand’s convenience retail system in Vietnam is managed by Seven System Vietnam (SSV), headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as the master franchise operator.

Australia

The first Australian 7-Eleven opened its doors on August 24, 1977, in Oakleigh, Melbourne. Most locations operate under franchise agreements and are primarily situated within central business districts or combined with petrol stations. In 2010, 7-Eleven acquired the remaining Mobil petrol stations across Australia, converting them into dual-function convenience store and fuel outlets. Mobil sites in South Australia were sold to Peregrine Corporation and rebranded as OTR.

In April 2014, 7-Eleven announced plans to expand into Western Australia, targeting the opening of 75 stores within five years; the first store in WA was inaugurated in Fremantle on October 30, 2014. By January 2018, there were a total of 675 stores across Australia.

In April 2022, 7-Eleven Australia resolved a class-action lawsuit brought by franchisees alleging deceptive claims regarding business model profitability, settling for A$98 million.

In December 2023, Japan-based Seven & I Holdings agreed to purchase the Australian 7-Eleven franchise for A$1.71 billion; this transaction was finalized in April 2024.

Class actions

In August 2015, an investigation by Fairfax Media and ABC’s Four Corners revealed that employees at Australian 7-Eleven franchises were being underpaid wages ranging from A$10 to A$14 per hour—significantly below the legal award rate of A$24.69. The inquiry uncovered that some franchisees manipulated employee schedules and payroll records to hide actual hours worked, resulting in workers receiving approximately half the legally mandated pay. Additionally, employees were denied overtime loadings and penalty rates for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

Following public scrutiny, reports emerged that some workers were paid correctly through official payroll systems but were then pressured by franchisees to return part of their wages in cash. In response to these findings, 7-Eleven commissioned an independent review led by former ACCC chairman Allan Fels with assistance from Deloitte.

In September 2015, chairman Russ Withers and CEO Warren Wilmot resigned amid the controversy; interim leadership was assumed by deputy chairman Michael Smith and Bob Baily.

By December 2015, law firm Levitt Robinson announced intentions to initiate a class action lawsuit against the head office on behalf of franchisees alleging misleading conduct. On the same day, 7-Eleven committed to covering the initial $25 million of back-pay claims owed to workers, with subsequent payments to be shared between franchisees and corporate management. The inquiry regarded this commitment as a substantial advancement while investigations continued. Between 2015 and 2020, over $173 million was paid out by 7-Eleven addressing systematic wage theft claims.

In 2018, Levitt Robinson was compelled by the Federal Court to withdraw misleading advertising directed at franchisees. Nevertheless, they proceeded with another class action involving ANZ Bank—even though banks had ceased providing loans to franchisees since 2015. In a settlement approved by the Federal Court in 2022, 7-Eleven agreed to pay $98 million to franchisees who alleged misrepresentation of store profitability figures. Although no admission of liability was made, claims included understating employee-related expenses at around seven percent instead of a more accurate thirteen percent—resulting in many franchisees operating at losses unless they engaged in wage underpayment practices as substantiated in prior wage theft cases.

Denmark

Denmark welcomed its inaugural 7-Eleven store on September 14, 1993, located in Copenhagen's Østerbro district. Currently, the chain runs 185 outlets predominantly in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, including two stores situated at Copenhagen Central Station. The Danish branch maintains key collaborations with Shell to operate Shell/7-Eleven service stations countrywide and partners with the Danish railway operator DSB to manage shops at most S-train stations and other railway hubs.

In 2022, a ransomware incident led to a temporary shutdown of all Danish locations. The company declined to pay the ransom, and importantly, no customer information was compromised.

Norway

7-Eleven debuted in Norway on September 13, 1986, opening its first outlet in Oslo. The brand rights for Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were acquired in 2004 by Reitan Convenience, a division of the Norwegian Reitan Group, which has since driven substantial growth throughout Scandinavia.

Sweden

The Swedish market saw its first 7-Eleven store open in Stockholm in March 1984. After Reitan secured the brand rights post-1997, they expanded operations to nearly 200 locations nationwide. In May 2024, Reitan revealed intentions to discontinue cigarette sales across all Swedish 7-Eleven stores by 2026.

Turkey

7-Eleven entered Turkey in 1989. Following the appointment of Özer Çiller’s wife, Tansu Çiller, as Prime Minister, he divested his shares in 1993. Throughout the 2010s, the chain withdrew from the Turkish market, transferring most outlets to individual franchisees.

United Kingdom

During the 1980s, 7-Eleven operated convenience stores across London and Southeast England, with its first shop opening in Sydenham in 1985. By October 1997, there were 57 stores in the UK before the brand was sold to Budgens. Although plans to re-enter the UK market were announced in both 2014 and again in 2019, no new stores had launched as of October 2022.

Canada

The initial Canadian 7-Eleven launched on June 29, 1969, in Calgary, Alberta. By December 2022, the chain operated 562 corporate-owned outlets nationwide. Notably, Winnipeg, Manitoba, leads Slurpee consumption with approximately 1.5 million sold since its first store opened in 1970. Annual events such as free Slurpee giveaways on "7-Eleven Day" (July 11) continue to engage customers.

Certain locations incorporate fuel stations affiliated with Shell Canada, Petro-Canada, or Esso. In November 2005, Speak Out Wireless cellphone service was introduced by 7-Eleven Canada. ATM services transitioned from CIBC to Scotiabank as of June 2012. The company exited Ottawa’s market in December 2009 after selling six stores to Quickie Convenience Stores; customers using Speak Out Wireless were provided options to transfer their service to Good2Go mobile.

7-Eleven does not operate within Quebec, where regional chains such as Alimentation Couche-Tard dominate convenience retailing.

In March 2016, the company expanded its Canadian presence through a C$2.8 billion acquisition of 148 Esso gas stations owned by Imperial Oil across Alberta and British Columbia. Most convenience outlets were rebranded under the 7-Eleven name while continuing Esso fuel supply; some locations retained legacy formats under the "smartstop 24/7" brand formerly associated with On the Run.

Mexico

7-Eleven made its debut in the Mexican market in 1976 through a collaboration with Grupo Chapa (currently known as Iconn), initially operating under the Super 7 brand. The chain was rebranded to 7-Eleven in 1995 and now manages 1,835 outlets across Mexico. It holds the position of the country's second-largest convenience store chain, trailing behind Oxxo but surpassing Circle K. In locations of historical or architectural significance, stores employ monochromatic logos with gold or silver lettering to harmonize with their surroundings.

United States

In North America, 7-Eleven ranked eleventh among food retailers in 2007, generating estimated revenues of approximately US$15 billion, and was the twenty-fourth largest retailer in the U.S. by revenue in 2005. By 2013, the United States had 8,144 franchised stores, with franchise fees ranging from US$10,000 up to $1 million and varying royalty structures. The company's U.S. headquarters is situated in Irving, Texas.

A notable regional operation was 7-Eleven Stores of Oklahoma, which operated independently since 1953 with unique branding and customer loyalty programs. In March 2020, 7-Eleven acquired over 100 stores in Oklahoma, bringing them under its national branding umbrella and pushing the total number of North American stores close to 9,800.

In April 2021, the company introduced the "Take it to Eleven" marketing campaign aimed at reinforcing its brand presence. By mid-2021, efforts began to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with a goal of installing 250 DC fast chargers across key U.S. and Canadian markets such as California and Texas by the end of 2022. In March 2023, 7-Eleven launched "7Charge," its proprietary EV charging network and app compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO standards as well as Tesla vehicles through adapters.

In August 2022, the acquisition of Skipcart enhanced 7-Eleven's capabilities for same-day and on-demand delivery services.

Early in 2024, Seven & i Holdings CEO Ryuichi Isaka announced a strategic pivot for U.S. locations to emphasize fresh food offerings rather than relying heavily on gasoline and tobacco sales. This includes establishing a supply chain for premium Western and Japanese foods through a partnership with supplier Warabeya Nichiyo to support expansion goals. Furthermore, up to 1,600 Speedway and Stripes outlets will undergo renovations to feature larger selections of hot and cold foods along with expanded baked goods assortments.

Fuel

Historically, many U.S.-based 7-Eleven stores included fuel stations primarily supplied by Citgo, which Southland Corporation acquired in 1983. By 1990, ownership of Citgo had passed to Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. While Citgo remained a significant partner, 7-Eleven also co-branded fuel offerings with several major oil companies including Fina, Exxon, Mobil, Gulf, Marathon, BP, Amoco, Phillips 66, Conoco, 76, Shell, Chevron (including former TETCO and Texaco sites), Sunoco, and Sinclair. Of these partners, Conoco stands as the largest licensee for 7-Eleven fuel operations in North America. In markets such as Pittsburgh—where 7-Eleven leads in store count but ranks third by revenue—the fuel brands available include Exxon, Gulf, Marathon, BP, and Sunoco due to strategic acquisitions of company-operated locations. Recently some outlets have transitioned to selling fuel under the exclusive 7-Eleven brand without affiliation to major oil companies—a trend also observed among competitors like Circle K.

To strengthen its fuel network presence, 7-Eleven secured agreements with ExxonMobil acquiring 183 sites in Florida by December 2010 and an additional 51 sites in North Texas by August 2011. The company operates its own fueling network called 7 Fleet that targets commercial clients and truck drivers by offering dedicated fueling lanes at select locations. This service competes directly with other truck stop chains such as Pilot Flying J’s One9 Network along with Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores and TravelCenters of America.

A significant development occurred on August 2, 2020, when Seven & i Holdings announced its $21 billion purchase of Speedway LLC; this deal closed on May 14, 2021. To comply with U.S. antitrust laws, 7-Eleven divested a total of 293 stores across twenty states—selling 124 locations to Anabi Oil, 106 to Cross-America Partners LP, and another 63 to Jacksons Food Stores. Following this acquisition, Speedway left Pilot Flying J’s One9 Network to integrate fully with the company’s own 7 Fleet system—streamlining operations and enhancing competitive positioning within fuel services.

Brazil

During the 1990s, 7-Eleven maintained a presence in São Paulo with 17 outlets operated through a collaboration between Esteve S.A. Exportadora and Southland Corporation; however, all locations were eventually shuttered due to fierce market rivalry. In 2018, the company considered forming an alliance to manage convenience stores at Petrobras Distribuidora fuel stations, but these discussions did not progress further.

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