7-Eleven Opens In Shanghai

7-Eleven made history as four stores opened simultaneously in Shanghai under President Chain Store Corp. (PCSC), the licensee for 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan. The stores' opening April 30 signified the first-ever 7-Eleven presence in China's largest city.

The new stores are located in the Xujiahui, Luwan, and Pudong districts of Shanghai, a city that boasts more than 4,000 convenience stores.

Jason Lin, center left, CEO of Uni-President, and Masa Asakura, 7-Eleven, Inc. Executive Vice-President, International, shook hands following a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai.

Grand opening celebratory events included a performance by a popular Taiwanese singer, visit from a 7-Eleven mascot and a press conference held at the Four Season's Hotel Shanghai the day prior to the event. Stores featured popular Chinese dishes prepared in a wok and Oden served on a stick.

Members from Uni-President, parent company of licensee PCSC, were joined by local Shanghai government officials, 7-Eleven, Inc., Seven-Eleven Beijing representatives and Taiwanese-Shanghai trade office representatives in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the openings. (Pictured, left)

President Supply Chain president Richard Huang said the company's goal is to establish 300 7-Eleven stores in the area within five years, with the first 150 opened in the first three years.