Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), operator of the country’s largest chain of 24/7 convenience store 7-Eleven, said that its franchise stores now account for 50 percent of its total of 4,000 stores in the country.
Jose Victor P. Paterno, PSC president and CEO, attributed its growth to its enduring partnership with the Philippine Franchise Asia (PFA) for the past 30 years in the promotion of franchising in the Philippines to create entrepreneurial business opportunities and employment for Filipinos.
“Our growth from a single store to 4,000 outlets across the Philippines reflects not just our business success, but the strength of our franchise model and the dedication of our franchisees,” noted Paterno. “Many of our franchisees have grown their operations from single stores to multiple locations, creating success stories that inspire others.”
In 2024, PSC reached two significant milestones: opening its 4,000th 7-Eleven store in the Philippines and celebrating 40 years of operations in the country. These achievements underscore the brand’s enduring relevance and continued expansion in the Philippine retail landscape.
The company has revolutionized convenience store operations in the Philippines through its commitment to 24/7 service, expanded product offerings tailored to Filipino consumers, and the integration of digital technologies that enhance customer experience. These innovations have not only strengthened the brand’s market position but have also increased its appeal to potential franchisees.
As PSC and PFA celebrate 30 years of collaboration, both organizations remain committed to fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and contributing to the continued growth of the Philippine franchise industry.
Paterno said that PSC will continue supporting PFA’s mission of promoting responsible franchising practices while providing 7-Eleven with platforms to showcase its evolving business opportunities to new generations of entrepreneurs.
“Our partnership with PFA has been instrumental in establishing standards of excellence in the franchise industry,” said Paterno.
Founding partnership
In 1993, seeing the success of franchising abroad, Samie Lim, the acknowledged father of Philippine franchising and now PFA’s Chairman Emeritus, along with Jose T. Pardo and Vicente T. Paterno, one of the industry pioneers and the founders of 7-Eleven Philippines, took the pioneering step of hosting the first-ever Philippine Franchise Expo. In the following years, as the industry continued to grow, they spearheaded the creation of the PFA in 1995, formalizing a collective effort to support and develop local and foreign franchises in the country.
7-Eleven Philippines introduced its franchise model in 1998 and has since achieved remarkable growth. The brand demonstrated exceptional resilience during the pandemic, adapting its operations to continue serving communities safely while supporting franchisees through challenging times.
As a founding member of PFA, 7-Eleven has a strong advocacy for franchising’s potential in the Philippines which is reflected in its continued support of PFA’s initiatives, including its yearly sponsorship of Franchise Asia, the PFA’s flagship event. These gatherings have become vital platforms for franchise leaders to discuss industry trends, share best practices, and explore new business opportunities.
The partnership has yielded numerous recognitions for 7-Eleven Philippines, including the Franchise Excellence Award for International Master Franchise of the Year (2005-2007), Best Overall Marketing Campaign Award (2009), and most recently, the Sustainability Category Award (2024). The brand has also consistently showcased its retail innovation through its exhibit booths, earning the Best Booth Display Award multiple times (2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022).
Furthermore, 7-Eleven was recognized as the ‘Crowd’s Favorite’ at the 2023 Philippine Franchise Asia Expo, drawing consistent foot traffic and ultimately becoming the most visited booth at the event.
