7-Eleven® Increases Franchise Recruiting Incentive for Recent Military Veterans

DALLAS, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized as "military friendly" by multiple veterans' organizations and publications, 7-Eleven, Inc. is serious about growing its franchisee ranks with qualified military veterans. The world's largest convenience retailer has increased its franchising-fee discount to 20 percent as an added incentive for qualified veterans who have left the service in the last five years.

7-Eleven will continue to offer a 10 percent franchise fee discount to all other military veterans who meet the company's franchisee qualifications. The company first instituted the incentive for retired and separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2009 to help them achieve the American dream of owning one's own business.

"More than 100,000 veterans are expected to retire this year," said Greg Franks, 7-Eleven vice president of franchise systems, "And we believe 7-Eleven offers an excellent opportunity for those who dream of owning their own business. Experience has shown us that veterans have the leadership traits, work ethic and organization skills to succeed in our business."

2014 marks 7-Eleven's 50^th year of franchising. Its first franchises were part of a 1964 acquisition (of 126 Speedee Mart stores) when 7-Eleven entered the California market. Before then, all of its stores were company-operated. By 1969, more than one-third of the 3,500-plus 7-Eleven stores were franchised. Today, 80 percent of 7-Eleven, Inc.'s U.S. stores are franchised.

7-Eleven has stores for franchising in 30 mainland states.  An interactive map at www.franchise.7-eleven.com indicates where they are located. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, military personnel who served on active duty anytime since September 2001 can face greater employment challenges than civilians and older veterans. At 21 percent, the unemployment rate of the youngest of these, ages 18-24, is almost three times the national rate. With a growing number of veterans facing a difficult job market, veteran entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to start a successful business in which retired and honorably discharged service personnel can use their skills to control their financial destiny.  7-Eleven also offers careers in a variety of fields to qualified veterans.

7-Eleven has been recognized as a military-friendly company for its veteran hiring practices, military veterans' franchise program and a charitable mission to support military families. Military veterans serve in every level of the company from top management to field staff to store associates.  The retailer also has supported military-assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend.

Named one of the Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers on a list published annually by G.I Jobs magazine, 7-Eleven was the only food retailer included and, among all retailers on the list, ranked third. Business publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur rank 7-Eleven among the top franchise opportunities.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 10,300 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, more than 53,500 7-Eleven stores operate in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; #3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2012, and #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine's 2013 list of the "World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail" and among the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2013 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and on GI Jobs magazine's Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

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SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.