Did you know that there are nearly as many 7-Eleven stores compared to McDonald’s branches all over the world? Or that they actually first operated during Sundays and evenings when most grocery stores have already close? There are so many fascinating facts about 7-Eleven—from historical to unique. Read some of them here:
1
7-Eleven is originally an American brand. In 1990 its parent company, Southland Corporation filed for bankruptcy leading its current owner, Japanese company Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. to buy the majority of its shares.
2
The first convenience store concept was done in Dallas, Texas in 1927 and they were initially called “Tote’m Stores” because customers “toted” away their purchases. Their main product was ice though other sold essential items included refrigerated food, milk, bread, and eggs. They also operated only on Sundays and evenings when most grocery stores were already closed.
3
It got its famous name, 7-Eleven, to reflect the company’s new extended hours: 7 days a week, 7 AM-11 PM. Its new operating hours were unheard of at the time making it a popular novelty service.
4
Japan has the greatest number of 7-Eleven stores in the world. It’s also considered a tourist attraction to those visiting Japan due to its extensive and quality offerings from ready-to-eat food, periodicals, hygiene products, ATMs, and even electronic products.
5
According to Statista, a website specializing in statistics, there are over 70, 200 branches of 7-Eleven all over the world.
6
Just like its Filipino counterpart, 7-Eleven branches in America have also been holding informal polls since 2000 to gauge the political preference of their customers.
7
The first 7-Eleven in the Philippines opened on February 29, 1984, along Kamias Road and EDSA in Quezon City.
8
The slushy drinks known as Slurpee came to be an accidental invention due to a broken soda fountain. The name of the drink came from the sound made while sipping the frozen drink.
9
7-Eleven has the trademark for the word “brain freeze” in relation to the cold sensation of drinking a Slurpee.
10
The products and services of 7-Eleven are different according to their country. In Indonesia, 7-Eleven is treated to be more like upscale coffeehouses where customers can use the free WIFI, hang out listen to live music played outside while enjoying treats like fried rice, sandwiches, and rice meals. In Taiwan, aside from paying their bills and utilities in their branches, customers can even give the nearest 7-Eleven stores from their residences, as pick-up and delivery points in coordination with the staff and delivery team.
11
In the past few years 7-Eleven Philippines has continued to expand its products and services—these include paying utilities, housing ATM machines, and collaborating with popular food brands and personalities like Manam and Claude Tayag to create food for the Pinoy palate.
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