Seven-Eleven Makes New History... Opens 71,100 Stores in Korea

Opening Ceremony Held on the Morning of the 9th at Food Dream Bangbae Branch
World-Renowned Franchise Convenience Store with a Long Tradition Since 1993

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Convenience store brand 7-Eleven has achieved an unprecedented milestone in global franchise history by reaching 71,100 stores. Korea Seven, which operates 7-Eleven in Korea, will open the global 7-Eleven 71,100th store, 'Food Dream Bangbae Branch,' on the morning of the 9th.

This global 71,100th store holds symbolic significance as a number representing the 7-Eleven brand. Mike Burzer, Senior Director of International Division at SEI (7-Eleven headquarters in the U.S.), said, "The brand, which started in a small store in Dallas, Texas, USA in 1993, has grown into the largest convenience store brand worldwide," adding, "On behalf of the U.S. headquarters and 7-Eleven stores worldwide, the opening of the 71,100th store in Korea is very meaningful."

7-Eleven, the world's first convenience store founded in Dallas, USA in 1927, currently operates in 18 countries worldwide, including Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Japan.

Since its founding, in 1946, unlike other retail stores, it innovated by extending business hours from 7 a.m. (Seven) to 11 p.m. (Eleven), which led to the birth of the current 7-Eleven brand. Even today, it is a leading global convenience store brand with an average of 60 million daily visitors and one new store opening every 3.5 hours.

Domestically, Korea Seven signed a technical partnership agreement with 7-Eleven USA in 1988 and opened the first domestic convenience store, '7-Eleven Olympic Branch,' in 1989, marking the beginning of the convenience store era in Korea. Over the past 32 years, 7-Eleven has introduced Korea’s first triangular kimbap and Seven Cafe, and has grown into Korea’s representative convenience store brand by launching various future-oriented platforms such as Dosirak Cafe, Food Dream, and Signature concepts.

Choi Kyung-ho, CEO of 7-Eleven, stated, "With the opening of the 71,100th store, we will take pride and devote ourselves to various innovative activities to become a convenience store loved by customers."

On the day, 7-Eleven also held a commemorative ceremony. Gregory Brisco, Commercial Attach? of the U.S. Embassy in Korea, Choi Kyung-ho, CEO of 7-Eleven, along with executives and key stakeholders attended.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the opening of the global 71,100th store, 7-Eleven prepared a customer appreciation event. Throughout this month, customers purchasing any type of triangular kimbap will receive a mobile voucher for ‘Jin Ramen Spicy Flavor (small cup),’ and for 11 popular snack and beverage items such as ‘Cantata Americano’ and ‘The Returned Choco is Shrimp Post,’ customers paying over 7,000 KRW with a BC Card will receive a 50% discount.