7-Eleven expanding retail presence through innovative Business Conversion Program

Just a month after launching a website about all things franchising, 7-Eleven, Inc. has added a second website for people looking to convert their existing retail outlets to the 7-Eleven brand and system through its Business Conversion Program (BCP).

Unlike many U.S. companies looking to downsize, the convenience retailer is expanding its retail presence around the country. 7-Eleven has developed an alternative franchising model that complements its existing franchise model. It enables independent operators of c-stores, gas and service stations, delis and other small retail operations that are 2,000 to 3,000 square feet in size to convert to the 7-Eleven business system and continue to maintain control of their real estate.

The BCP site outlines the benefits, application process, cost and qualifications required of a potential candidate, as well as features testimonials from recent converts, video footage of an actual conversion and dramatic before-and-after photographs of newly remodeled 7-Eleven stores. An interactive map highlights growth areas in the U.S. and the respective BCP contact person.

“Our BCP business is gaining momentum, and we wanted to offer an online one-stop-shop that differentiates this offering from our traditional franchising program,” said Randy Quinn, 7-Eleven manager of New Store Strategy. “It gives interested parties a convenient tool to determine if they might qualify as well as highlights the costs and benefits. Frankly, the feedback from participants has been strong after they have reviewed the potential of the 7-Eleven Business Conversion Program.”

The new BCP website has many of the same features as the Franchise site – history of the company, strength of the 7-Eleven brand, business systems, franchise support and marketing campaigns. The company licenses its proprietary retail business system while maintaining all of the business standards and services of its traditional franchise system.

7-Eleven is the industry’s largest retailer. According to IBISWorld, a market-research firm based in Los Angeles, the industry is estimated to grow, a little over one percent, for the next five years. Their full report on the industry for US Convenience Stores is available here.

Lawn Doctor ranked number 1 in lawn care industry

Entrepreneur magazine recently named Lawn Doctor the number one lawn care service provider in its Franchise 500 list, making it the third consecutive year the company has received this recognition.

“This honor is recognition of Lawn Doctor’s track record as the top lawn care franchisor. Our strategic partners (franchisees) are a huge part of our success and help us innovate new technology and satisfy the demands of consumers with customized services in their hometowns,” said Director of Franchise and Development Bob Goodyear. “Our business model has successfully weathered 40+ years of economic storms and we look forward to serving the next 40 years as leaders in the lawn care industry.”

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal surveyed five lawn care businesses, including Lawn Doctor, to see which company offered the best customized plan for a lush lawn based on services, cost and results. The article called Lawn Doctor “the best combination of service and pricing of all the services we tested.” Compared to the other companies, Lawn Doctor was recognized as the most attentive in offering customized products to customers based on their lawn type and problems.

Beyond its track record of steady success and growth, the Holmdel, N.J.-based company is known for dedication to improving systems and long term support for its strategic partners. All franchisees use Lawn Doctor’s patented, industry-leading lawn service equipment to provide personalized lawn care services for each customer’s lawn. Services range from natural lawn care to fertilization, seeding, weed control, integrated pest management and tree and shrub maintenance.

The company has also been recognized by other leading publications as a smart investment for those interested in franchising.

In 2009, the Landscaping Services Industry is forecast by market research firm IBISWorld to generate revenue of $52,501 million, in constant 2009 prices, representing a real decline of 5.0% compared to 2008. 

IBISWorld’s full report on the US Landscaping Services industry is available at their website: www.ibisworld.com