December 9, 2017

Demonstrating eight years of shared commitment and solid partnership, Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC) — the exclusive licensor of global convenience store chain giant 7-Eleven — and Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), the marketer of Caltex fuel brand, proudly marked their enduring partnership with the recent landmark opening of the 100th 7-Eleven-Caltex store at the Aseana Square along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

The newly opened C-store, which now brings to a total of 2,209 7-Eleven stores in the country, is seen to further accelerate the organizations’ aligned growth prospects in the coming years. Both PSC and CPI vowed to continue innovative efforts to deliver products and convenient services that will enhance the overall customer experience.

Raising the bar of convenience

In his welcome speech, Louie Zhang, the new Country Chairman and General Manager for Philippine Products of CPI, said he is pleased to witness the milestone occasion that reflected the successful and enduring collaboration between two leading enterprises.

“This is really something important for us. We are committed to make this partnership stronger together with you again. This eight years of partnership has built success and confidence and will continue to inspire us to surpass and carry on this business to even greater heights. We are looking forward to seeing more joint endeavours, with this milestone serving as a foundation that grows beyond. We thank our partners for making this success happen,” Zhang said

For his part, Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO of PSC, congratulated the team-up of PSC and CPI, as it not only revolutionized the brand of convenience in the country but also strategically leveraged the marketing and retail strengths of both organizations. They continue to share a commitment to serve and provide services for customers – from everyday passers-by to motorists in the metro as well as in key provinces and cities in the country.

Following a global initiative to help retailers optimize income generation, gasoline operators saw a bright opportunity to merge C-store services in their operations.   In 2009, 7-Eleven convenience stores began replacing Star Mart in Caltex service stations. By 2013, the partnership has spawned 50 C-stores located mostly in Luzon.

“In other countries like in the US, convenience and fuel go side by side. In the Philippines, while car ownership is still an emerging market, we see this increasing segment as a factor that will help accelerate our expansion, more store openings together with Chevron,” noted Paterno.

The creation of the 7-Eleven-Caltex store format, according to Paterno, has spawned greater convenience features that allow consumers access to round-the-clock services and grab-and-go food, grocery supplies and fuel refilling — all in one strategic location.

“The value added offering for customers and motorists, which 7-Eleven stores and Caltex refilling stations have served dutifully in the past eight years, has and still is dynamically reshaping the landscape of modern retail convenience in the Philippines. We are proud to be long-standing partners in the industry. As the pioneers of this concept, we are looking forward to deliver more products, services, and exciting deals to our loyal patrons,” he said.

Maximizing income potentials

Francis Medina, PSC Business Development Unit Head, in an interview, lauded the successful alliance between the two industry leaders. “What’s unique with the partnership is its franchising approach. The dealers from Caltex were given the first option to franchise. If not, we (PSC) can operate it as a company-owned store or award it to another franchisee. Also, it brought new and diversified customers for both sides.  It ushered a great many advantages. By offering the option to operate a C-store side by side a gasoline station, not only did it enhance the standards of convenience; it maximized the income generation of both.”

In line with its 2017 expansion target, Medina revealed that the company will continue to scale up its C-store network with the opening of 25 more 7-Eleven-Caltex branches in the provinces, specifically in the Visayas and Mindanao. “We are well poised to meet our growth goals as we end 2017,” he shared.

These new territories, according to him, will further cement 7-Eleven’s dominant presence across the country. “The company, which is deeply motivated by this milestone along with the momentum that came about from other significant ventures in the recent months, is positively looking to add C-stores. New territories that will open up include Region 2, Mindoro (Calapan) and Tacloban (Ormoc) hopefully by next year,” said Medina.

PSC currently operates 1,031 corporate stores and 1,178franchise outlets. For franchising inquiry, call 0917-9935059 and 0935-3236431 (Visayas); (02) 7269968, 0920-9508651, 0917-8711686 (Luzon) or email franchising@7-eleven.com.ph or visit www.7-eleven.com.ph.