Introduction
For millions of people across the world, 7 11 is a go-to source for snacks, drinks, and other daily essentials. But have you ever wondered why it’s called 7 11? Are those just random numbers? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of this popular convenience store chain, explore the significance of the numbers, and uncover how the name has contributed to its success and branding.
The History behind 7 11
7-Eleven, as it is now known, was founded in 1927 by Joe Thompson and Howard Ross. The original name of the company was “Tote’m Stores,” since customers were able to “tote” away their purchases conveniently. The first store was located in Oak Cliff, Texas, and sold milk, bread, and eggs among other consumer products.
It wasn’t until 1946 that the company started using the name “7-Eleven,” when the founders changed the original store hours, which had been 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., to 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. This longer operating schedule allowed 7-Eleven to offer more products and increase their customer base significantly.
Number Symbolism
In many cultures and religions, the numbers 7 and 11 hold significant symbolic meaning. Some people believe that number 7 represents perfection and completeness, as God is said to have created the world in seven days, while number 11 is a symbol of balance and harmony, according to numerology.
It’s not entirely clear why the founders of 7 11 chose this specific combination of numbers for their brand.
The Significance of Convenience
Convenience is a powerful force in consumer behavior, encouraging shoppers to seek out products that require the least effort to obtain. Over the past century, the rise of convenience is one of the most significant trends influencing retail and consumer behavior. Convenience stores have become increasingly popular due to their accessibility and round-the-clock service.
7-Eleven is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the convenience store concept. The company expanded rapidly through franchising and now has thousands of stores in different countries. Corporations like 7 11 have made it much easier to run errands at any time of day, which is particularly important for fast-paced modern lives.
Marketing & Branding
The name 7 11 is simple, catchy, and easy to remember – all crucial elements in successful branding. The company has consistently taken advantage of the name’s cult appeal, not only incorporating it into marketing materials and signage but also using it as a key part of its business model.
Interestingly, one marketing strategy used by 7-Eleven is to play up the significance of 7-Eleven’s name as a lucky combination for lottery tickets, such as The Lucky 7-11 instant-win game. This approach has worked well, capitalizing on consumers’ love of lotteries and the brand’s reputation for good luck.
Trivia & Fun Facts
If the name “7-Eleven” already feels iconic, consider this fun fact: in Japan, the company is called “Seven & i Holdings,” reflecting its parent company, Seven & I Holdings Co. 7-Eleven heavily relies on innovative products to keep up with competition, such as unique flavors of Slurpee and snacks created in partnership with famous chefs.
Conclusion
The history of 7 11, now officially known as 7-Eleven, reveals fascinating insights into the significance of numbers, the importance of convenience, and the power of branding and marketing. Despite much speculation about the reasoning behind the name “7 11,” one point is clear – the company’s name and its history remain central to its enduring success and cultural impact.