8 Innovation Lessons from the World’s Largest C-Store Brand, 7-Eleven – The Food Institute

In an era during which the digital revolution has relentlessly reshaped the retail landscape, the rise of 7-Eleven has been a compelling narrative. The iconic convenience store giant, synonymous with late-night snack runs and impromptu purchases, has embarked on a remarkable journey of industry transformation. The chain redefined the very essence of convenience in the digital age, all while remaining faithful to the cherished heritage that has been passed down through generations since its inception nearly one century ago. Amid this evolution, a crucial lesson emerged — the paramount importance of innovation. As we navigate the fast-paced currents of the modern marketplace, the drive for innovation becomes increasingly evident. From Marissa Jarratt’s vantage point, the responsibility for propelling growth falls squarely on the shoulders of marketers. Jarratt serves as the Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer for the C-store chain. To stimulate growth, one must think differently, transform, and embrace disruption as a force for positive change. This imperative places marketers in a unique position, where they must achieve more with less, necessitating heightened efficiency, creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. It’s a call for entrepreneurial thinking, a call to not merely adapt but to pioneer. If one studies 7-Eleven’s evolution, they’ll soon discover it’s a journey that uncovers invaluable innovation lessons that resonate with all businesses – namely, that the future belongs to those who dare to innovate. Lesson #1: Embrace Entrepreneurial Thinking
Regardless of a company’s size, embracing an entrepreneurial mindset is pivotal for fostering growth-driven innovation. 7-Eleven has managed to preserve its entrepreneurial DNA, a key driver behind its continued success. #2: Identify Unmet Needs and Address Them
7-Eleven’s journey began, in essence, with a store manager’s keen observation of customer behavior, leading to the introduction of essentials like eggs, bread, and milk. The lesson here is to identify unmet consumer needs and promptly adapt. #3: Embrace The Power of Continuous Innovation
7-Eleven’s history is marked by groundbreaking innovations, from introducing fountain drinks in 1964 to pioneering 24/7 operation. The ability to adapt and innovate has been instrumental in remaining relevant to modern consumers. #4: Learn from Failure
Innovation inevitably involves risk and the possibility of failure. Jarratt advocates for a growth mindset that embraces failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. However, effective risk management and having a contingency plan are essential for mitigating potential setbacks. #5: Drive with Unwavering Customer-Centricity
A mantra to “give customers what they want, where they want it, and when they want it” remains at the core of 7-Eleven’s success, underscoring the power of customer-centric thinking, Jarratt said. #6 Foster Industry Growth
Beyond its own offerings, 7-Eleven nurtures emerging brands, acting as an incubator for icons like Monster and Redbull. “Brands with Heart” initiatives provide emerging brands with a launchpad. #7 Evaluate Risk
7-Eleven’s media investment strategy, known as the 70-20-10 model, is designed to balance innovation and ROI. Allocating 20% of the budget for innovative endeavors allows them to test and scale initiatives that show promise. This approach has proven effective in maintaining consistent ROI while driving innovation. #8 Harness the Power of Data
With one of the largest loyalty programs in the industry, 7-Eleven manages its data operations internally. The vast wealth of data has been transformed into valuable consumer insights, facilitating personalized engagement at scale. This data-driven approach allows 7-Eleven to cater to diverse consumer demographics while staying true to its timeless brand essence. 7-Eleven’s internal data operations transform data into actionable insights. Closing Remarks 7-Eleven highlights the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, customer-centricity, and a willingness to embrace risk in the pursuit of growth. Businesses in all industries can find inspiration in the chain’s transformation. The lessons learned from 7-Eleven’s evolution offer valuable guidance for those seeking to redefine convenience, stay relevant, and drive growth in an ever-changing marketplace. Editor’s note: Ivonne Kinser is the CEO of Vantage Innovation Lab and serves as Innovation Advisor to The Food Institute. To watch her 7-Eleven interview video, click here . The Food Institute Podcast The foodservice industry has changed drastically since the pandemic, but who would have thought collaboration would be the main sticking point from all that turmoil? IFMA President & CEO Phil Kafarakis discusses this and how his organization is going through a transformation to better serve its members under this new industry paradigm.