7-Eleven Stores in the U.S. Will Introduce Some Japanese-Inspired Changes. Here's What to Expect.

7-Eleven successful Japan is known for high-quality fresh food, while its American counterpart is much typically associated pinch state stations, Slurpees, basking dogs and pizza. But later this year, nan world's largest convenience shop chain, pinch much than 13,000 locations successful North America and complete 83,000 worldwide, plans to present Japanese-inspired paper offerings successful nan U.S.

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7-Eleven, which ranked #25 successful nan 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking, has been owned by Japan's Seven & I Holdings since 2005. The franchise's Japanese 7-Eleven stores excel pinch data-driven operations, offering caller nutrient tailored to section tastes. This differs from U.S. stores, which person historically made astir of their money connected state and cigaret income — revenues that are declining, per nan Wall Street Journal.

Now, nan attraction is shifting much towards food: The company's extremity is to summation its food sales from 24% to one-third of full sales, according to nan WSJ.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked connected nan Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame'

To do so, 7-Eleven is upgrading its U.S. commissaries — 17 "hub" type locations astir nan state that make nutrient for each its U.S. stores — and partnering pinch Japanese suppliers to connection a broader scope of caller nutrient options. Although you'll still beryllium capable to get a Big Gulp astatine your section 7-Eleven, you'll besides beryllium capable to prime up immoderate caller sushi — aliases a caller type of snack.

"Our squad draws inspiration from astir nan world to present caller items for illustration Mangonada donuts pinch Tajin, barbecue pork sliders, chickenhearted curry bowls and everything meal sandwiches," a marque spokesperson told Today.

The institution besides plans to leverage information and targeted advertizing to bring nan Japanese convenience stores' fresh, high-quality vibe to nan American market.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked connected nan Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame'

7-Eleven won't beryllium nan first ample U.S.-founded corp to inject Japanese thought into its operations. The philosophy of kaizen, meaning "continuous improvement," combines nan Japanese words "kai" (change) and "zen" (good) and was popularized successful nan West by Masaaki Imai's 1986 book Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. Trader Joe's began practicing kaizen successful 2007, erstwhile then-CEO John Bane, who retired past year aft 22 years moving nan specialty grocer, adopted it to thrust the company's description .

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