The company behind 7-Eleven is betting Australia can be a proving ground for global growth, seeking to re-create the Japan-style convenience-store model that made the brand a powerhouse at home.
Seven & I Holdings bought the local operator of its branded shops for 1.7 billion Australian dollars ($1.2 billion) in 2024 and aims to open hundreds of new stores across the continent by 2030. On the shelves now are fried chicken, pizza and a vast array of pre-packed meals. There are also local versions of the egg-salad sandwiches and onigiri rice balls featured in 7-Elevens across Japan.
Australia is a live test of whether the 7-Eleven Japan model ¡ª built around fresh, prepared food and daily services ¡ª can succeed across the world. If it can compete with supermarkets and fast-food chains while making up for lost tobacco sales and the impending shift away from fuel, that clears a path for expansion in Europe and Latin America. If it fails, it signals the Japanese convenience-store playbook may be difficult to scale globally.
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