7-Eleven Is Reinventing Its $17B Food Business to Be More Japanese | WSJ The Economics Of

In Japan, 7-Eleven has long led its American counterpart in prepared meals with foods like ramen and rice balls. But now, the world’s largest convenience store chain is trying to bring a similar range of food items to its U.S. stores, and market them to customers who associate the brand with Slurpees and pizza. American 7-Elevens are working on mimicking the Japanese distribution centers by upgrading their commissaries around the country.

WSJ explores how 7-Eleven is shifting its business strategy to focus more on food as cigarette and gas sales have begun to slow.

Chapters:
0:00 Japanese inspiration to American stores
1:01 7-Eleven’s origins
3:35 Prepared food
5:38 Innovation plans

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#7Eleven #Retail #WSJ

[ropro]

Finally! 😄 Anyone who's been to a 7-Eleven in Asia has been thinking this for decades. Hopefully, they can pull it off! 🤞

[OneTrueEdge]

When I was in Japan, I was shocked to see 7-Eleven was a clean and popular store rather than gross rat's nest.

[HarmonixsLoL]

Japan 7-11 is head and shoulders above US 7-11. No comparison. If they can bring a little bit of that magic to US 7-11, I think business would boom.

[Mkrmnxn]

I lived in Japan for years and this is a great idea. I NEVER go to convenience stores in America unless I'm in a pinch, but in Japan I went to Konbinis almost every single day for a variety of things including actually good, simple, healthy food.

[EchoGillette]

The best part about Japanese convenience stores can't be imported to America: walkability. When i was visiting Japan i loved being able to walk downstairs, cross a street, and suddenly have access to fresh, quality food if i didn't want to cook. If I walk for 20 min in America I'm still in the same neighborhood of houses. And 7/11 can't put a walkable store in my neighborhood because of zoning laws prohibiting non-residential use.

[icodestuff]

The issue is true "convenience stores" don't exist in the US. You have to drive to 7/11, and if you do that, you might as well drive to the grocery store. In Asia, it's actually a convenience since you can just walk 5 min rather than drive/take the train.

[ZeeengMicro]

In Asia it's not just about excitement, it's about Convenience. Imagine having a ready-prep meal just 10 meters away from your house. Reasonable price, walking distance, fast.

[danamania]

Lived in Japan for 3 years. The 7-Eleven experience was not only convenient but also happiness-inducing! New products and promotions were always rotating through on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. That happy feeling made me fiercely loyal to 7-Eleven over FamilyMart and Lawson, their main competitors.

[TheGamingSpartanA]

7-11 in Japan has been a dream for America tbh. A small grocer of food and snacks vs junk, hotdogs, lottery tickets, and liquor.

[hjalti]

I've actually wanted this for YEARS. The big problem though is that any food sold in an American 7 Eleven is likely going to be of lower quality than that found in Japan, because someone in the chain will decide to save a dollar rather than focus on service.

[Archchill]

the difference is the food in the US stores is actually garbage, both taste wise and health wise, while the food in the japanese stores tastes good/fresh and some of it is even healthy for you.

[SobaCoin]

When I went to Japan for two weeks I practically visited 7-11 every day and when I came back to the states I don’t even go anymore i really hope they bring those amazing Japanese snacks and foods

[Kritacul]

People will get Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at 7-11 in Japan and have a smile on their face because the food at those locations are not only good, but affordable too.

[drizzlerama]

This is by far the best US corporate news I’ve heard all year. There is nothing appetizing in a US 7/11. I need that Kombini magic here!!

[Exilum]

One thing to not forget is that convenience stores in Japan have more than just food:
-Actually convenient products (ATMs, mailing, paying taxes, printing, necessities, etc)
-Great locations (you can find a convenience store no matter where you are, this makes convenience stores the first place you go to when you need something *now*)
-Insanely tasty food you could purchase everyday, not just when you want to treat yourself (the chicken is famous for a reason)

[xKamix]

YES PLEASE!!! Went to Japan a couple months ago and their 7-Elevens are immaculate compared to the shoddy, poorly maintained 7-Elevens over here in America.

[slimjimmypage]

Hearing someone talk about advertising coffee in the morning but not in the afternoon like it's a revolutionary breakthrough feels insane.

[echos]

Please make this happen!!! 🙏 7-11 in Japan was by far the best experience I ever had in a convenience store. Their sandwiches and dumplings are A1!!

[jwsc]

In taiwain, you can buy bus and train tickets, pay utilities, buy better variety of coffee and food etc….it is the go-to store for everyone in the neighborhood.

[jdg]

7-11 in Japan and Thailand are just on a new whole level. They are practically everywhere as diverse their items are.