What’s in a Name?: 7-Eleven
Apr 24th 2023
If you’re a Slurpee fan, you probably already know that you can score a free one every year on July 11th. But, while it’s a day of celebration, the date 7/11 is actually not the popular convenience store’s original namesake. So where did the name 7-Eleven come from?
7-Eleven is the largest convenience retailer in the world, with over 83,000 stores globally. Born from humble beginnings, the company gained popularity from its commitment to innovation while meeting customers’ needs. To this day, it remains a popular destination for people seeking quick and easy access to snacks, drinks, and other essentials.
Ice Stores and More
In 1927, the Southland Ice Company was formed from of a merger of several smaller companies that sold blocks of ice to preserve food. While initially successful, business began to decline with the advent of electric home refrigerators. In response, several of the icehouses began selling basic groceries and other retail items, gradually transforming into a convenience store chain.
“Tote'm Stores”, as they were called, were marked by Native American totem poles installed out front and encouraged customers to "tote" their purchases home. While most other stores only operated during typical business hours, Tote’m was open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week. To highlight this, the name changed to 7-Eleven in 1946, signaling a shift in the company's approach as it became more focused on convenience and customer service.
Iconic Offerings
With ideal locations, extended hours of operation, and unique product offerings, 7-Eleven quickly grew in popularity. Then, in 1963, 7-Eleven became the first convenience store chain to stay open 24/7. The company then began to expand beyond Dallas, opening stores all around Texas and eventually in other states. The first 7-Eleven store outside of the United States opened in Canada in 1969. Today, the company has locations in 19 countries.
Through the years, 7-Eleven has focused on innovation to best serve its customers and stay ahead of the competition. They were among the first stores to offer hot food items, like pizza and chicken wings, coffee in to-go cups, and self-serve soda fountains – staples now found in most convenience stores today. In 1966, the company introduced its most iconic item ever: the Slurpee, a sweet frozen drink with a fizzy, fluffy texture that can be found in a variety of flavors such as blue raspberry, cherry, and Coca-Cola. (Bonus fun fact: Slurpees are the exact same product as ICEEs, just branded specifically to be sold in 7-Eleven stores.)
Innovative Success
In 2005, 7-Eleven was acquired by Seven & I Holdings, a Japanese company that owns other retail chains such as Ito-Yokado and Sogo. Since then, it has continued to expand globally and adapt to changing consumer preferences. In recent years, the company has focused on expanding its digital offerings, such as mobile ordering and delivery.
Today, 7-Eleven is consistently ranked as a top-10 Franchisor, a source of pride for the company as pioneered the franchise store model. They have also expanded to operate under a variety of banners and brands including Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits.
For more stories behind the names of popular businesses, check out What's in a Name?: L.L. Bean, The Story Behind Jimmy Beans Wool, and, of course, Penny Mustard: Our History.
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