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The 7-Eleven® store chain was born in 1927 when an innovative employee of the Southland Ice Company began selling milk, eggs and bread from his Dallas, Texas, ice dock as a convenience to customers. Over the years, that humble ice dock has grown, and today, independent retailers are using the 7-Eleven system to serve time-pressed consumers at 18,000 7-Eleven stores in 19 countries, including almost 6,000 U.S. stores. 7-Eleven joined the world of franchising in 1963. Today, approximately 3,000 U.S. stores are operated by franchisees, and about 35% of 7-Eleven's franchisees operate more than one store. The grass always looks greener on the other side -- and sometimes it actually is. Just ask James Ellis, who worked for 7-Eleven, Inc. for 10 years before franchising the first of his three stores in Detroit. Ellis, an African American, recently acquired two additional stores each with a gas island, giving him a total of five stores. During his decade as a 7-Eleven employee, Ellis held a number of operations positions, including division sales manager and assistant market manager. "I figured that if I had the ability to run an operation for 7-Eleven, I could run one for myself," says Ellis, who advises prospective franchisees to research any business well before they take the plunge. "Some people think they're going to be an owner and not work, but ultimately, the responsibility for the business all comes back to you. When I work, I work really hard, and when I'm away on vacation, I play really hard." Ellis believes a major key to any franchisee's success is the ability to handle the challenges of dealing with employees. "Without a great staff, I could only run one store," according to Ellis. "I'm fortunate I can get good employees in Detroit with such a low unemployment rate. I have good managers, and I'm working now with one employee who wants to franchise his own 7-Eleven. I'll do whatever is necessary to help him do that." |
A 7-Eleven franchise is a reasonably priced turn-key franchise. Support for franchisees includes initial training, on-going merchandising and operations assistance, record keeping and auditing services, and weekly visits from a field consultant. Up to 100% financing may be available through 7-Eleven for qualified applicants. Franchisees have 180 days to try the system. If it isn't what they expected, they can receive a refund of their down payment and franchise fee with no further obligation. This year, the company plans to open over 100 new stores in major markets throughout the country. Like older 7-Eleven locations that were remodeled during a recent nationwide refurbishing effort, these new stores will feature wider aisles, brighter lighting, new layouts and high-tech security systems. Many will offer gasoline pumps and pay-at-the-pump credit card readers. As customers' demands and tastes change, so does the variety of products available at 7-Eleven. Thanks to a growing system of combined distribution centers and proprietary commissaries/bakeries located around the country, many 7-Eleven stores now offer customers fresh products, such as sandwiches, entrees and baked goods, on a daily basis. In addition, the company is installing a proprietary retail information system that will allow each franchisee to make more timely and informed merchandising decisions on every item and stay in stock on the fast-moving items that customers want and need. Presently, 7-Eleven franchises are available on the West Coast and in parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest. For the past 5 years, 7-Eleven has been ranked among the top 5 of Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 500 franchisors and is looking for prospective franchisees who are motivated to succeed and who are willing to work within a proven system. For information about franchise opportunities, contact the 7-Eleven Franchise Department, P.O. Box 711, Dallas, TX 75221-0711, or call (800) 255-0711 or visit the franchising section at www.7-eleven.com. |