You’re out of coffee, or maybe you just want a Slurpee on a hot day. Searching for “7/11 near me” is a reflex for millions around the world. But behind that simple search lies a global chain with a fascinating history, a surprising ownership story, and a reach that extends far beyond the corner store. Here’s how to find one near you, what to expect when you get there, and why the brand has become a cultural icon.

Global stores: Over 77,000 · Countries: 19 · Founded: 1927 · Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of 24-hour stores worldwide is not publicly disclosed (7-Eleven official site)
  • Whether free Slurpee offers are available in all locations or only select stores (7-Eleven official Slurpee page)
3Timeline signal
  • Free Slurpee Day is tied to 7-Eleven Day on July 11 (7-Eleven official Slurpee page)
  • Slurpee debuted in 1966 in Coca-Cola and cherry flavors (Eater)
4What’s next
  • Check store locator for current promotions and hours (7-Eleven store locator)
  • Free Slurpee offers typically run during a specific daily window, commonly 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CBS News Sacramento)

Six key facts about 7-Eleven, one pattern: the brand’s identity is built on convenience and a surprisingly global footprint.

The table below summarizes the chain’s core characteristics.

Label Value
Founded 1927 in Dallas, Texas, USA
Headquarters Dallas, Texas, USA
Number of stores Over 77,000
Countries 19
Parent company Seven & I Holdings (Japan)
Original hours 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In which countries is 7-Eleven available?

7-Eleven in the United States

  • 7-Eleven operates in 48 US states plus Washington D.C., with no stores in Alaska or Hawaii (7-Eleven official corporate information).
  • Georgia (US state) has many 7-Eleven stores, part of the chain’s dense southeastern presence.

7-Eleven in Europe

  • 7-Eleven is not present in the UK (Wikipedia).
  • Europe has limited 7-Eleven locations; the brand’s expansion strategy has focused on Asia and the Americas.

7-Eleven in Asia

  • Japan is one of the largest markets, with thousands of stores and a strong local brand identity (Wikipedia).
  • Other major Asian markets include Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and the Philippines.

7-Eleven in Australia and Oceania

  • Australia has a significant 7-Eleven presence, with stores in major cities and regional areas.

The implication: 7-Eleven’s global footprint is vast but uneven. The chain’s absence in the UK and much of Europe points to a deliberate strategy favoring markets where convenience-store culture already thrived.

The upshot

7-Eleven’s success in Japan and its failure to enter the UK show that local adaptation is key. The brand thrives where it can embed itself into daily routines, not just as a store but as a cultural fixture.

Is 7-11 open 24-7 in Singapore?

7-Eleven operating hours worldwide

  • Many 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours, but not all (7-Eleven official store hours).
  • Store hours vary by location; use the store locator to confirm.

24-hour convenience stores in Singapore

  • In Singapore, most 7-Eleven outlets are open 24/7, reflecting the city-state’s round-the-clock lifestyle.

How to check if a 7-Eleven is open now

  • Use the 7-Eleven store locator at 7-Eleven store locator to check hours for a specific store.
  • Google Maps can also show real-time open status for nearby locations.

The catch: even in a 24-hour city like Singapore, individual store hours can vary due to location, staffing, or local regulations. Always verify before heading out.

What does 7-11 stand for?

Origin of the name 7-Eleven

  • The name 7-Eleven originated from the store’s original hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week (Wikipedia).
  • It was originally named Tote’m Stores before becoming 7-Eleven in 1946.

History of 7-Eleven

  • 7-Eleven was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas as an ice dock (7-Eleven official brand story).
  • The brand evolved into a convenience store chain, pioneering the self-service model.

7-Eleven’s corporate ownership

  • 7-Eleven is now owned by Seven & I Holdings, a Japanese company, making it a Japanese-owned American brand (Wikipedia).

What this means: the brand’s name is a direct link to its founding convenience ethos, and its ownership shift reflects a broader trend of global retail consolidation.

How to find a 7-Eleven near me?

Using the 7-Eleven store locator

  1. Visit 7-Eleven store locator.
  2. Enter your address, city, or ZIP code.
  3. Browse the list of nearby stores with addresses, hours, and services.

Using Google Maps

  1. Open Google Maps on your phone or computer.
  2. Search for “7-Eleven near me”.
  3. Tap a store to see hours, directions, and user reviews.

Searching for 7-Eleven near me on mobile

  • Use voice search: “Hey Siri, find 7-Eleven near me” or “OK Google, 7-Eleven near me”.
  • The 7-Eleven mobile app also includes a store locator with distance filters.

Finding 7-Eleven within a specific distance

  • On Google Maps, you can filter by distance, such as within 1 mile, 5 miles, or walking distance.
  • The store locator provides directions, hours, and services.

The trade-off: more options come with more variability. The closer the store, the more likely it matches your specific needs—but using the official locator ensures accuracy.

Why this matters

For the traveler or local, the ability to find a 7-Eleven quickly is the difference between a quick snack stop and a wasted detour. The brand’s own locator is the most reliable source.

Does 7-Eleven offer free Slurpee?

7-Eleven Slurpee promotions

  • 7-Eleven frequently offers free Slurpee promotions, especially on July 11 (7/11) for its birthday (7-Eleven official Slurpee page).
  • The “7/11 near me free Slurpee” search refers to annual free Slurpee events.

Free Slurpee Day

  • Free Slurpee Day is tied to 7-Eleven Day on July 11 (7-Eleven official Slurpee page).
  • Promotions typically offer a free small Slurpee at participating stores, subject to local participation and supply limits.

How to get a free Slurpee

  • Check the 7-Eleven app or website for current offers.
  • Visit a participating store during the promotion window (often 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) (CBS News Sacramento).
  • Availability may vary by location; verify with the store locator.

The pattern: free Slurpee offers are a powerful customer acquisition tool, driving foot traffic on a specific day and converting casual visitors into regulars.

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

  • 7-Eleven founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas.
  • Name originated from original operating hours (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.).
  • 7-Eleven is owned by Japanese conglomerate Seven & I Holdings.
  • 7-Eleven operates in 19 countries, including the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
  • 7-Eleven is not present in the UK.

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of 24-hour stores worldwide is not publicly disclosed.
  • Whether free Slurpee offers are available in all locations or only select stores.

Expert perspectives

“The Slurpee name was coined by advertising executive Bob Stanford.”

— Eater food and drink coverage

“By 1967 ICEE machines were installed in every 7-Eleven location across the country.”

— CBS News Sacramento regional news outlet

“7-Eleven describes Slurpee as one of its best-known proprietary brands.”

— 7-Eleven official Slurpee page

For the convenience store shopper in the US, the choice is clear: 7-Eleven remains the most accessible option for quick snacks and drinks, but its global inconsistency means travelers should check local offerings before assuming a familiar experience.

Frequently asked questions

How many 7-Eleven stores are there in the world?

Over 77,000 stores across 19 countries, according to the official 7-Eleven site.

What is the largest 7-Eleven store?

The largest 7-Eleven is reportedly in Seoul, South Korea, though exact dimensions are not officially confirmed.

Does 7-Eleven sell gas?

Many 7-Eleven locations in the US and Canada sell gasoline under the 7-Eleven brand.

Can I use Apple Pay at 7-Eleven?

Yes, most 7-Eleven stores accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless payment methods.

Does 7-Eleven have a rewards program?

Yes, the 7Rewards program offers points on purchases and exclusive deals for members.

What is the most popular item at 7-Eleven?

Slurpee is the brand’s most iconic product, but coffee and hot dogs are also top sellers.

Is 7-Eleven in Canada?

Yes, 7-Eleven has a strong presence in Canada with hundreds of stores across the country.