Sushi, Slurpees and 7-Eleven
By George Anderson
The convenience store chain is rolling out fresh new products that it hopes will broaden its appeal to a greater number of consumers. Sushi roll samplers, Szechuan beef bowls, Fettucine Alfredo and enchiladas are some of the products now being sold in 7-Eleven stores in southern California.
Chuck Kronyak, 7-Eleven’s regional fresh food merchandiser told Reuters, “We’re introducing sushi in southern California because it is a regional favorite. Southern Californians love sushi. We had to have it.”
Mr. Krovac added, “Our customers are letting us know that they like to have products that are better for them, have a little more flavor and higher quality.”
7-Eleven is seeking to remake the convenience store format in the eyes of the modern consumer with initiatives such as its fresh food program and in-store financial services kiosks.
The chain sells 11.6 million Slurpee drinks a month and almost 100 million hot dogs a year — more than any other American retailer, Reuters reports. The chain projects rolling out it fresh foods (sushi) program to all its stores within the next five years.
Moderator’s Comment: What is your reaction to 7-Eleven’s
fresh foods program in southern California?
In addition to Sushi, 7-Eleven plans to offer freshly
made sandwiches, salads, entrees, fresh-squeezed juices, fruits and vegetables
as part of its program launch in southern Cal. [George
Anderson – Moderator]