Sure, the largest convenience retailer can serve up a desirable gift in a last-minute situation (such as one-size-fits-all gift cards, videogames, DVDs and CDs, wine, candy and this year, Snuggies [image-nocss] and other "As Seen on TV" items), as well as provide 24/7 shopping convenience for those everyday necessities during the holidays.
"Just like many other retailers, the holidays are a busy time for 7-Eleven," said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, 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."
Here's what is hot for the holidays at 7-Eleven stores this year:
Last-minute Gifts
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, gas and any other merchandise. Limited-edition Slurpee gift-card tins are new this year and proving popular with shoppers. Other gift-card options include Vanilla Visa, Macy's and Chili's.
Electronics--Smart phones, videogame and music players, and accessories and games for all of the above continue to dominate the marketplace. For traveling youngsters and their parents, 7-Eleven has stocked a selection of handheld videogames that are gift-wrapped with a bow and card and ready for giving. Priced at $14.99, these GiftXpress games are available in six variations, including Casino, Trivia and Sports. Smart-phone accessories such as cases, headphones and all-in-one chargers are priced under $20, and select stores are carrying pocket video cameras, value priced at $79.99.
Bands on the Run--Power bands: all the cool kids and athletes are wearing them. The silicone wristband with mylar hologram is supposed to improve the wearer's balance, flexibility and strength. 7-Eleven is also 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.
Big Bite Sales Boom
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 offers not only its popular Big Bite dogs, but also spicy Go-Go Taquitos, and in many areas, hot pizza, chicken tenders and buffalo wings, along with fresh-made sandwiches and salads.
Pick a Winner
Lottery tickets are a great idea for stocking stuffers.
Does not Include ...
... batteries! Luckily, 7-Eleven does. 7-Eleven stores carry eight sizes of batteries, ready to take a parent from zero to hero in one stop. The most popular batteries are commonly used in videogame controllers, cameras, electronic handheld games, small toys and personal music players.
I'll Drink to That
Family get-togethers can be a trip--a trip to 7-Eleven to grab a bottle of wine or 12-pack of beer. 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 are favorites with 7-Eleven customers.
Milk and Cookies
Milk, whipping cream, sour cream and butter sales also jump during the holidays, and 7-Eleven is there 24/7 to provide them, along with a variety of 7-Select cookies for Santa and others.
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 Dec. 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, their neighborhood 7-Eleven store stands ready to come to the rescue.
"7-Eleven stores were created for people in a hurry, a convenient place to shop for basics like milk and bread," Delgado-Jenkins said. "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."
Based in Dallas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 8,300 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses close to 39,500 stores in 16 countries.
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