7-Eleven Inc.

7-Eleven is among the world's largest and most widely recognized and iconic retailers, both inside and outside the c-store channel. The company's Slurpees, Big Gulp soft drinks and fresh-made coffees have helped 7-Eleven grow in North America and in several countries overseas. The Irving, Texas-based chain grew its U.S. store count by about 100 sites in 2019. It has set a goal of growing to 20,000 U.S. store sites by 2027. The chain began 2020 with an acquisition bang, announcing it would acquire more than 100 7-Eleven-branded c-stores in Oklahoma from Oklahoma City-based 7-Eleven Stores.

A large majority of 7-Eleven's c-stores are operated by franchisees, while the corporate company owns the properties.

In 2019, 7-Eleven debuted a concept store in Dallas that serves as a launch pad for new ideas for the company. The store features the food concept Laredo Taco Company and a cafe. Inside, consumers can taste signature entrees and sides, made-to-order coffee, juice, aguas frescas and alcohol beverages from an area called The Cooler. The site uses Scan & Pay Technology, through which customers can make non-age-restricted purchases directly by scanning products with their smartphones.

Also in 2019, 7-Eleven launched a new brand of private-label electronic accessories, over-the-counter medications, cleaning supplies, wine accessories and more. 24/7 Life is the new brand on these general merchandise products, while packaged food and beverages will continue to be sold under the 15-year-old 7-Select label.

7-Eleven is in the midst of carefully executing a years-long strategy to update its consumer-facing technology. The long-term project began in 2017 when the chain updated its loyalty program and began testing delivery through the 7Now app in Dallas.

Since then, 7-Eleven has expanded delivery to markets across the United States, implemented scan-and-go checkout capability and improved its delivery offer with 7Now Pins, which allow consumers to have orders delivered just about anywhere.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are year-end 2019.