7-Eleven, Inc. Celebrates 25,000 Stores Worldwide; Landmark Opening Commemorated in Downtown Chicago

CHICAGO, July 9 -- 7-Eleven, Inc. announced today the opening celebration of its 25,000th store. The world's largest convenience store chain recognized the landmark opening in Chicago, at 343 N. LaSalle Street. The company that started 76 years ago selling milk, eggs and bread from an ice dock in Dallas has now grown to be the world's largest convenience store chain, as well as one of the largest global retailers.

The day's opening events included remarks from James W. Keyes, president and CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc., Chicago Alderman Burton Natarus (42nd) and Education is Freedom board member Stedman Graham. Customers were greeted by string musicians and tuxedoed waiters in the upscale store, located on the ground floor of a high-rise condo building. Samples of the store's proprietary products, including freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and the world-famous Slurpee(R) drink were distributed to Chicago residents and commuters.

The store, open 24 hours daily, is run by 7-Eleven franchisee Kishor Darji, with assistance from the company's Great Lakes Division.

The River North location marks 7-Eleven's ninth store in the greater downtown Chicago area and its 84th urban store in the United States. As more urban areas continue to be redeveloped and integrated with residential units, 7-Eleven is meeting the needs of these "vertical" and densely concentrated trade areas by building smaller stores with a constantly rotating inventory. 7-Eleven stores have become a model of Chicago's urban revitalization project by working with the planning commission on store designs -- interior and exterior -- that keep with the historic surroundings.

"Opening this milestone store in the Windy City is truly a sign of where convenience is headed," said Jim Keyes, 7-Eleven president and CEO. "With our daily delivery of products, we are able to keep pace with the busy needs of consumers -- and the busy downtown residents here in Chicago are a perfect example. We see this as a niche in our overall growth plan."

Approximately five 7-Eleven(R) stores open per day around the world.

As with other North American stores, the downtown Chicago location uses 7-Eleven's proprietary Retail Information System to keep abreast of top- selling items, as well as to constantly change the array of new items and anticipate customer needs. Shoppers will find standard convenience-type items, 7-Eleven's popular Slurpee frozen beverage, Big Eats(R) deli and bakery items made and delivered daily to the store and other unique offerings.

While 7-Eleven stores are very visible fixtures in their neighborhoods, the company's charitable efforts quietly support local causes. At the 25,000th store ceremony, Keyes presented a check for $25,711 to Education is Freedom, in order to specifically help Chicago-area students fund their college education. Education is Freedom is a national education foundation dedicated to providing scholarships for hard-working young people. Accepting the donation on behalf of Education is Freedom was board member Stedman Graham, and Alderman Natarus accepted for the city of Chicago. Education is Freedom recently awarded college scholarships to nine Chicago-area students for the upcoming school year.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry with 25,000 stores. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven, Inc. operates or franchises approximately 5,800 7-Eleven(R) stores in the United States and Canada and licenses approximately 19,200 7-Eleven stores in 17 other countries and U.S. territories throughout the world. During 2002, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $33 billion. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com .