PhilSeven sets out for accelerated growth

After opening 318 new stores in 2017, Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive local licensor of global C-store chain 7-Eleven, steps up its momentum with more strategic franchising initiatives as part of its aggressive expansion plan.

As it embarks for longterm profitability and strong leadership this 2018, PSC, with a C-store fleet now pegged at 2,285, is targeting to open 375 new stores in various strategic locations this fiscal year.

Areas up for expansion include Region 2 (namely Isabela, Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya and also Mindoro). For Visayas, PSC will be starting expansion in Leyte, Tacloban, and the rest of Eastern Visayas. In Mindanao, the company is planning to open stores in Surigao Del Sur and Norte and Sultan Kudarat.

“This year’s plan for Visayas and Mindanao is to open 75 percent franchise stores. Also, we have formulated a new franchise offer, the FC3, which is a lower investment compared to our existing franchise package. From P3.5 to Php5 million investment, we came up with the new franchise package which is around less than half a million,” revealed Francis Medina, business development unit head.

Via the FC3 package, the company is targeting to have “a franchise ratio from 54 to 60 percent.”

“Our FC ratio is still more than half of our total stores. As of 2017, we already started converting some of our company-owned stores to franchise-owned. This year, we are planning to fully launch the FC3 to the public and we are expecting a heavy traffic of inquiries from there. The new program requires a full time store operator that will be hands on with store operations. Also, applicants will undergo three-five months of operations training,” he further stated.

According to Medina, the company’s successful finish in 2017 was due to consolidated efforts and solid execution of strategies. Increased efficiency and constant elevation of customer shopping experiences through great value product choices and service offerings also account for 7-Eleven’s progress in the market.

Another accomplishment of the company, he added, is its milestone partnership which resulted to a 100th store under Chevron-Caltex station.