Date/Time
Date(s) - September 11, 2025
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Categories
Getting into convenience stores requires understanding a completely different ecosystem.
Louisa McCarty and Steven Zermeno from 7-Eleven’s Venture & Emerging Brands Team have reviewed thousands of startups for potential launches in 7-Eleven. Their team knows what separates brands that thrive in convenience from those that struggle.
This is your chance to get the inside perspective from the world’s largest convenience retailer with 13,000+ stores and counting.
You’ll learn:
The 7-Eleven Operating Model (Franchise vs. Corporate Stores)
How convenience customers shop (hint: it’s nothing like grocery)
The product categories and price points that move fastest
What 7-Ventures and 7-Eleven teams look for in brands
Plus, Louisa will share insights on their Emerging Brands Open Call Program, Brands with Heart. Applications for the 2026 track will open in the coming months. With Brands with Heart, select brands get coaching directly from 7-Ventures team members and have the opportunity to pitch directly to category managers in Dallas, TX. Some brands go on to launch in regional markets, with the goal of building towards national distribution.