The convenience retailer offers last-minute gifts such as one-size-fits-all gift cards, videogames, DVDs and CDs, wine, candy and this year, Snuggies and other "As Seen on TV" items, as well as provide 24/7 shopping convenience for everyday necessities during the holidays.
"Just like many other retailers, the holidays are a busy time for 7-Eleven," said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, [image-nocss] senior vice president of merchandising. "While we offer several great last-minute gift options, we also provide convenient holiday solutions for consumers who are looking for items such as milk, groceries and batteries."
Gift cards remain at the top of most people's Christmas lists. 7-Eleven's gift card selection offers a wide selection of prepaid online and video game cards and iTunes cards in a variety of denominations. For political junkies who followed the Slurpee Summit, Glee TV show fans and other Slurpee-lovers, 7-Eleven carries branded Slurpee gift cards that can be used to purchase Slurpee drinks, gasoline and any other merchandise. Limited-edition Slurpee gift card tins are new this year. Other gift card options include Vanilla Visa, Macy's and Chili's.
Smart phones, videogame and music players, and accessories and games continue to dominate the marketplace. 7-Eleven has stocked a selection of handheld videogames that are gift wrapped with a bow and card and ready for giving. Priced at just $14.99, these GiftXpress games are available in six variations including Casino, Trivia and Sports.
Smart phone accessories like cases, headphones and all-in-one chargers are priced under $20, and select stores are carrying pocket video cameras, value priced at $79.99.
It is also offering "power bands," silicone wristband with mylar hologram that claim to improve the wearer's balance, flexibility and strength. 7-Eleven is carrying Rubba-Time Bandz, glow-in-the-dark silicone wrist bands that display time, day and date. Suggested retail price for the power band is $4.99, and for the time band, $3.99.
Christmas Day ranks near the top for Big Bite hot dog sales at 7-Eleven. One of few places open on Christmas Day where you can grab a quick meal, 7-Eleven also offers spicy Go-Go Taquitos, and in many areas hot pizza, chicken tenders and buffalo wings, along with fresh-made sandwiches and salads.
Lottery tickets are a great idea for stocking stuffers, the company added.
Also, 7-Eleven stores carry eight sizes of batteries.
The retailer is also touting its wine and beer. And December is an important wine month, and when a significant amount of champagne is sold. Top-sellers include 7-Eleven's value-priced proprietary wines, some of which have won awards at U.S. competitions: Sonoma Crest, Thousand Oaks and the new Cherrywood Cellars.
Milk, whipping cream, sour cream and butter sales also jump during the holidays, and 7-Eleven is there to provide them, along with a variety of 7-Select cookies.
Since 1963, 7-Eleven stores have kept round-the-clock hours, and today, approximately 99% of the more than 6,000 U.S. stores stay open on December 25. For people who need to prepare a family recipe, wrap a last-minute present, shoot a baby's first Christmas picture or operate a new toy, 7-Eleven stands ready to come to the rescue.
"During the last days before Christmas, many shoppers are looking for more than basics. Perhaps at this time of year more than any other, our long-time slogan of 'Oh Thank Heaven' rings especially true with our customers," said Delgado-Jenkins.
Dallas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 8,300 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, it operates, franchises or licenses approximately 39,500 stores in 16 countries. During 2009, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of $58.9 billion.
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