When you think of 7-Eleven, you probably think of convenience stores, Slurpees, and food on the go. But why is 7-Eleven called 711? It’s a question that many of us have probably asked ourselves. Where did the name come from? And why did it stay the same? In this blog post, we answer the question of why 711 is called 711 and explain other marketing choices that the company has made in its long history. So, stay tuned!
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Why Is 711 Called 711?
The answer to why 711 is called 711 is actually pretty simple. The store changed its initial name to “7-Eleven” in 1946 to signify its new extended working hours (7 am to 11 pm).
The story goes all the way back to 1927 when the Southland Ice Company first opened its doors. 7-Eleven was founded in 1927 as a small ice house store in Dallas, Texas. However, at the time, it was called “Tote’m Stores” because customers “toted away” their purchases.
Although “Tote’m Stores” was primarily an ice seller, the company quickly realized that it could make more money by selling other items in addition to ice. As a result, they began focusing on convenience retailing. The sales were growing quickly, and to accommodate the growing need, the store hours were extended from 7 am to 11 pm—hence why it was called “7-Eleven”.
7-Eleven has continued to change and evolve over the years, introducing new products, services, and technologies to make shopping easier. Although the store has changed ownership and locations multiple times since then, the name has remained the same.
Why Hasn’t 711’s Name Changed?
This is a valid question. Why stick with the number 711? After all, why not switch it up to 812 or 247?
The short answer is that the name 711 has become an iconic brand in its own right. It’s a recognizable name and a symbol of convenience. 7-Eleven has become one of the most popular convenience store chains in the world, and many people associate it with the number 711.
Additionally, the rhyme of 7-11 is catchy, and it easily sticks in mind. It’s a fun name that encourages customers to come back for more.
All things considered, changing the name of the store would open up a whole new can of worms, and it would be difficult to explain why the name changed. Not to mention, it could confuse customers who have come to rely on the store for their daily needs. So, why take the chance?
Why Does the Logo for 7-Eleven Have a Lowercase “n” at the End?
There’s no definite answer to this question, as the company never revealed why the logo changed from an uppercase N to a lowercase one. However, there are some theories why this happened.
Some people have speculated that it’s meant to signify the “neighborhood” nature of the store. However, by using a lowercase “n,” the company could be making a subtle point that it is part of the community.
Another theory includes the idea that the lowercase “n” provides a more relaxed feel to the logo. When comparing an uppercase “N” to a lowercase one, the latter appears more laid-back and inviting. This could be why the company made the switch.
Finally, some people believe that the lowercase “n” was used to make it a trademark. Since the logo was registered in 1971, it was probably easier to differentiate it from other logos with a lowercase letter.
What Is the Correct Way to Spell 711?
Because 711 is a brand name, the correct way to spell it is with 7-Eleven (with a hyphen). Although some people may spell it 711 or seven eleven, the official spelling is 7-Eleven.
Conclusion
So, why is 711 called 711? The answer lies in its humble beginnings as “Tote’m Stores” back in 1927. As the store changed its focus from an ice house to a convenience store, it extended its working hours from 7 am to 11 pm, hence why it was called 7-Eleven.
