In 1927, in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., 7-Eleven was recognized for the first time as a retail store under the name of Southland Ice Company (later the Southland Corporation) which was established to produce and distribute ice. In the same year, Southland Ice expanded its business by bringing in consumer products, such as milk, bread and eggs to the store. Later the company renamed Tote'm store; this was the start of history of the convenience store.

Later, in 1946, Tote'm Store was renamed 7-Eleven with the aim to advertise the store's opening hours. In those days, 7-Eleven stores opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 11 p.m. every day. Since then, the business has developed so successfully that the stores are open 24 hours a day, setting it way ahead of its competitors.

Today, 7-Eleven has more than 24,000 stores around the world and has become a symbol of a high- standard convenience store providing excellent quality products and services which meet requirements of
customers in each community.