Seven & i intends to expand its supermarket operations in China. The company told just-food that it will sharply increase the number of stores it operates on the Chinese mainland from the 60 currently established.


The Japan-based company said that it plans to open multiple stores in Beijing and five stores in Chengdu by 2010.


“Our new subsidiary Seven-Eleven China Co., will be opening new stores in Shanghai at first and then extending new openings nationwide,” a spokeswoman told just-food today (1 May).


The Seven-Eleven chain is planning 12 stores in Beijing at least, the company added.


The plans come after last month’s announcement that the Japanese group planned to found a new subsidiary, Seven-Eleven China Co., to take control of its Chinese interests.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

In January 2004 Seven & i established joint venture Seven-Eleven Beijing. Originally, the group planned to have opened 350 stores by the end of 2008, but this figure is likely to be missed.


Seven-Eleven attributes the slow progress of its expansion in China to the limitations placed on its key penetration model – the franchise.


Foreign companies were forbidden to use the franchise model in China until February 2005, and they still require certification.


The spokeswoman said Seven & i was now actively developing franchises for its convenience stores, which until recently have been spreading under a direct ownership system.


Despite intense competition from hundreds of home grown convenience stores the 7-Eleven stores have performed well in China, with income growing from JPY879m (US$8.46m) at the end fiscal 2007 to JPY2.23bn yen for the fiscal year ended in 2008.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now