IRVING, Texas — 7-Eleven, Inc. is looking for innovative and emerging brands to participate in its inaugural “Next Up” event on Thursday, October 11 at the 7-Eleven Store Support Center in Irving, Texas. The full-day event will give up-and-coming brands an opportunity to share their products with 7-Eleven’s merchandising team and learn more about the world’s largest convenience retailer. Companies that apply before Monday, September 17 have a chance to win the Next Up Scholarship, which covers airfare for 2 business representatives. Attending brands will be able to get an inside peek of the merchandising world at 7-Eleven.
“7-Eleven has a 91-year history of innovation. Customers are changing faster than ever before and continue to look to 7-Eleven to bring innovative, fresh, and better-for-you products to their local 7-Eleven® store,” said Chris Harkness, 7-Eleven Vice President of Business Development and Sales & Field Merchandising. “The millions of daily U.S. customers who visit our stores expect 7-Eleven to have what they need to make their busy lives easier.”
With a long history of successful brand launches, 7-Eleven works with both small and large vendors to bring new products to market. Next Up will provide an opportunity for small businesses and emerging brands to showcase products in an expo setting and participate in merchandising, logistics and operations workshops with company leaders.
The event includes sessions with industry experts who will discuss the important role of emerging brands in the retail space. Keynote speakers include 7-Eleven Senior Vice President Jack Stout, in charge of Merchandising, Marketing and Demand Chain, as well as former Whole Foods Co-CEO, Walter Robb. The day will end with a networking event where entrepreneurs can share ideas with the 7-Eleven merchandising team in a more informal atmosphere.
To participate, companies can apply at https://sites.7-eleven.com/corp/next-up. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, October 2.
About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 66,000 stores in 17 countries, including 11,800 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards®customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.
