Following 7-Eleven Inc.‘s announcement that it has opened its 40,000th store globally, analysts say there are challenges and opportunities ahead for both the chain and the convenience store industry as a whole, according to a CNN report. The Dallas-based chain reported becoming the largest chain store in the world in 2007, beating out McDonald’s, when it passed the 32,000 mark.
With a new store popping up almost every three and a half hours, the retailer has no plans to slow down, the report said. This year, the company said, it will open between 2,000 and 2,500 stores worldwide, and at least 300 through new stores and at least 200 through acquisitions in the United States and Canada. More.