DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. achieved record store growth in 2012 and expects the number of 7-Eleven stores worldwide to pass the 50,000-store mark by the end of the first quarter.

Already the world's largest retailer by store count, 7-Eleven® added close to 5,000 stores to its worldwide portfolio in 2012.

"2012 was a tremendous year for us in terms of organic store growth, acquisitions and business conversions.  We expect accelerated growth in North America to continue, and we also see many more opportunities for international expansion." said 7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Joe DePinto.

7-Eleven's U.S. growth strategy is to build market concentration in metropolitan areas in order to increase efficiencies and leverage the company's scale and daily-delivery infrastructure. 

Last year the convenience retailer added just under 1,000 new 7-Eleven stores in the U.S. and Canada. Worldwide, 7-Eleven's international licensees and master franchisees also expanded aggressively adding approximately 4,000 stores. 

At the close of 2012, 7-Eleven operated, franchised and licensed more than 10,000 stores in North America (including Mexico), and over 39,000 7-Eleven stores were in Europe, Australia and Asia, for a total of approximately 49,500 stores in 16 countries.

For more information on employment, franchise and real estate opportunities, visit www.7-Eleven.com.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 10,000 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are some 49,500 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $76.6 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine's 2012 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #4 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2013, #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start, and #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer because of the company's private-label brand initiative. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.