7-Eleven, the ubiquitous convenience store, is a go-to for quick snacks, drinks, and those late-night cravings. You might grab a Slurpee or a coffee without ever pondering the store’s name. But have you ever stopped to wonder, “Why is it called 7-Eleven?” The answer, surprisingly, is simpler than you might think and rooted in the company’s history.
To understand the name, we need to travel back to Dallas, Texas, in 1927. The origins of 7-Eleven lie in the Southland Ice Company. Back then, before widespread home refrigeration, people relied on ice to keep their food fresh. Southland Ice Company provided these essential ice blocks. Recognizing an opportunity to better serve their customers, they started stocking everyday grocery items alongside ice. To attract customers to these newly diversified stores, they even added Native American Totem Poles outside some locations, and reflecting this new direction, changed the store name to Tote’m Stores, suggesting customers were “toting” away goods.
However, the story of the name “7-Eleven” takes another turn in 1946. Post-Great Depression and Prohibition repeal, Tote’m Stores refocused on food and beverages. To better serve busy customers, the stores began to extend their operating hours beyond the typical workday. This is where the numbers come in. In 1946, Tote’m Stores decided to stay open for 16 hours a day, seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. To highlight this significant change in service and convenience, the company rebranded once again, this time adopting the name “7-Eleven.” The name was a straightforward and memorable way to communicate their extended operating hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.
While the “7 to 11” in the name originally referred to the store’s operating hours, the reality of 7-Eleven today is quite different. Many locations have evolved to become 24/7 operations, open around the clock. So, while the name “7-Eleven” is a charming historical artifact from a time when store hours were more limited, it’s a testament to the company’s early commitment to convenience that continues to resonate, even as their service extends far beyond those original hours. The next time you pop into a 7-Eleven, you’ll know the simple yet clever reason behind its enduring name.
