Why is the convenience store called "7-11"?

Literally, the English pronunciation of 7-11 (seven eleven) is relatively smooth and easy to remember. In fact, 7-11's business philosophy is to still provide retail services during non-normal business hours (7 p.m. to 11 a.m. the next day). In fact, 7-11 is now a 24-hour retailer. Japan's 7-11 is a chain convenience store group with Japan's most advanced logistics system. 7-11 was originally a well-known convenience store group in the United States. It was later introduced by Ito-Yokado, a major Japanese retailer. Japan's 7-11 was established in 1973 as a subsidiary company and later entered Hong Kong, Taiwan and China as an agent of Taiwan Uni-President Group. mainland. 7-11 Japan manages each individual store according to the unified model of 7-11. Self-operated small retail businesses, such as small grocery stores or small hotels, are converted into 7-Eleven stores in accordance with Japan 7-Eleven's guidelines with permission from Japan 7-Eleven. Japan 7-Eleven then provides unique standardized sales technology to each store and determine the sales categories for each store. As an emerging retailer, the 7-Eleven chain store is particularly popular with the younger generation and has expanded rapidly. Now, there are more than 4,000 7-11 stores across Japan. Convenience stores rely on frequent purchases of small batches. Only by using advanced logistics systems is it possible to develop chain convenience stores, because it enables frequent purchases of small batches. A typical 7-11 convenience store is very small, with an average area of ​​only about 100 square meters, but such a store offers more than 3,000 types of daily necessities. Although convenience stores offer a wide variety of products, they usually do not have storage space. In order to increase product sales, the sales space should in principle be as large as possible. In this way, all goods must be replenished in a timely manner through the distribution center. If a consumer cannot buy the goods they are supposed to buy when they visit the store, the store will lose a sales opportunity and the image of the convenience store will be damaged. All retail businesses agree that this is the first thing to avoid. The JIT system is not entirely about delivery time. It also includes technology to receive order information from each store through the information network in the fastest way, as well as technology to collect goods most efficiently according to each specific order. Relying on the support of a very advanced logistics system. Efficiently supplying goods to each store is an important responsibility of the distribution link. First, various products must be purchased from wholesalers or directly from manufacturers, and then distributed to each store according to demand. The distribution center plays a bridge role among them. In order to ensure the efficient supply of goods, Japan's 7-11 had to rationalize its old distribution channels. Many Japanese wholesalers used to characterize themselves as exclusive agents for a particular manufacturer and were only allowed to carry products from one manufacturer. Under this system, if a retailer wants to sell a range of goods, it has to deal with many different wholesalers. Each wholesaler has to use a separate truck to deliver goods to the retailer. The delivery efficiency is extremely low and the delivery time is very long. Not sure, but the inefficiencies of the delivery system are often overlooked. Japan’s 7-11 is reforming by integrating and restructuring distribution channels. Under the new distribution system, an entrusted wholesaler is designated to be responsible for several sales activity areas and is authorized to handle products from different manufacturers. In addition, 7-Eleven can develop efficient distribution channels to connect all stores by signing sales agreements with wholesalers and manufacturers. Wholesalers are distribution center managers who deliver goods to convenience store stores. Japan's 7-11 itself has not invested in distribution centers, even though they have become the core of distribution channels. The wholesaler raises its own funds to build the distribution center and then manages it under the guidance of Japan's 7-Eleven. Through this agreement, Japan's 7-Eleven can establish an efficient distribution system for its stores without any heavy investment burden. In order to cooperate with Japan's 7-11, many wholesalers are also willing to make necessary investments in distribution centers; in return, wholesalers can enter a broad market.

Japan's 7-11 has reorganized its wholesalers and retailers and changed its original distribution channels. As a result, it cooperates with the advanced logistics system to ensure that all kinds of goods are properly stocked, well-kept, and efficiently distributed to all stores. Chain stores. The advancement of the logistics system can be reflected in the decline in the number of trucks delivering goods to convenience stores. A dozen years ago, there were 70 trucks delivering goods to convenience stores every day, but now there are only about 12. Obviously, this comes from the efficient operation management of the new distribution center.