7-Eleven
(Photo : Unsplash)

7-Eleven is the world's largest convenience chain store with thousands of branches across the globe. The services that they offer to the customers are unique compared to other convenience stores. 

Their main headquarter was in Dallas, Texas. The convenience store chain was founded in 1927. However, 70 percent of the chain is now owned by Japanese affiliate Ito-Yokado in 1991. 

As of last year, 7-eleven has operated in 17 countries with over 68,200 stores worldwide. The convenience store chain remained competitive in the market and has even improved its services by integrating technology. 

However, despite this, there are still odd facts that many of their loyal customers do not know. Here are some of them, according to Cheapism:

1. 7-Eleven Gives Away 9 Million Slurpees during 7-Eleven Day

The 7-Eleven offers free small Slurpees from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time every July 11. This is part of their annual promotional holiday held annually by the company every year. In the past few years, 7-Eleven also includes other deals such as slices of pizza, hotdogs, and Slurpee-Flavored cookies. 

However, it is sad to say that the 7-Eleven will not have their promotional holiday this year. The convenience store chain will not be giving away free Slurpees and other deals due to the global pandemic. 

Instead, they did send a free medium Slurpee coupon to all users of their 7REWARDS, which can be redeemed anytime this month.

2. The Convenience Store Started With a Guy Selling Groceries From an Ice Dock

Just like any other business, 7-Eleven has its history also. The retailing industry of the convenience store was born in Oak Cliff, Texas. Southland Ice Co. employee named Johnny Green or "Uncle Johnny" started selling eggs, milk, and bread on evenings and weekends from the ice dock when grocery stores were closed. 

The small business or retail endeavor has succeeded and expanded. Later, his retail became known, and now they already have thousands of branches worldwide.

3. The Original Name of the Store was Tote'm

The first convenience store was called Tote'm stores because it refers to customers who literally toted away their groceries. In 1946, it was renamed 7-Eleven to reflect its 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. operation. Some of the 7-Eleven convenience stores today still have the totem poles out in front of the store. 

4. 7-Elevens in the World are Nearly Twice as McDonald's

As of December last year, 7-Eleven convenience stores around the world are nearly 70 thousand. On the other hand, McDonald's has 38,700 branches across the globe. Meanwhile, Starbucks has 30,000 branches. This means that 7-Eleven stores are higher compared to their other competitors. 

5. 7-Eleven Was the First Convenience Store to Open 24 Hours

7-Eleven is notable for many firsts. It is the first convenience store to open for 24 hours and the first to sell gas and offer ATM services to their customers. These what make 7-Eleven unique compared to other convenience stores.

6. 7-Eleven Coined the Term "Brain Freeze."

Slurpee was created during a brainstorming of the Standford Agency in May 1967. Agency Director Bob Standford commented that it made a "slurp" while drinking the product. 7-Eleven coined the term "Brain Freeze" in 1994 to communicate the painful joy of drinking a frozen Slurpee. 

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