First Ever 7-Eleven in Japan
Popular convenience store chain, Seven-Eleven opened its first store in Toyosu, Japan in 1973. By merging several icehouse companies, Seven-Eleven created the 7-Eleven Trace, which allowed for the opening of stores across Japan. The success of 7-Eleven Trace led to the company’s expansion into Dallas and other locations in Texas by 1976.
Japan Co., Ltd., the operator of Eleven Japan, opened its first Seven Eleven Toyosu store in Tokyo’s Toyosu district. The new Seven-Eleven store is the first of its kind in Japan, with a total of 10,000 stores across 23 other prefectures. This feat makes it the largest domestic retail chain in Japan.
The original Seven Eleven store opened was in Dallas, Texas of the United States in 1927, the same year that the now-iconic ice dock was built, before the Japanese chain buys the franchise of Seven Eleven. The first store was located in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, and it quickly grew to become one of the most successful businesses of its time. Over the past 86 years, more and more stores have been opened in Austin and other parts of Texas. It has even grown to become an international business with stores located all over the world.
Japanese “Konbini” Culture
Seven-Eleven Japan Co. is the largest convenience store chain in Japan, with over 21,000 stores across the country, making it one of the most dominant convenience store chains in Japan. Other convenience store chains such as Family Mart, Call Magical Realm, Convenient Heaven and “Sebunirebun” (English name 7-Eleven) are also popular in Japan but Seven Eleven has been able to maintain its position as a leader due to its expansive network and convenience services. Having so many Seven Eleven stores also makes it easier for people to access their favorite snacks and beverages while they are out shopping or running errands – a definite plus for anyone who wants to get things done quickly without having to visit other convenience stores.
By the end of July 2020, 11,067 chain stores had opened across all 47 prefectures in Japan. 14 new locations were added in August alone. Seven Eleven has also opened its chain stores in Thailand’s CP Group, Monterrey, Singapore and Phnom Penh’s district 7. The first Seven Eleven Toyosu store opened in Okinawa Prefecture on the 5th of July 2020 and is already hosting more than 150 stores. It is considered one of the most successful opening for a Seven Eleven store in Japan and it has become a popular spot for tourists visiting Okinawa. The store offers convenience with its wide selection of products from food to daily necessities.
In the past few years, Seven Eleven Japan has acquired the Japanese company Daiei and its Japanese licensee, Eleven Japan. After the acquisition, Seven Eleven Japan opened its first 24-hour store named Toramaru Store in Fukushima Prefecture. Further, in Toyonaka City Osaka, the company purchased majority shares of Yokado Co., Ltd. which operates supermarkets and department stores. In addition to this purchase, Seven Eleven Japan also acquired a large portion of Southland Ice Company stock; with this purchase it opened stores in Koriyama and Ito Huamirimato Convenience Stores.
