Ito-Yokado bought the U.S. rights to operate 7-Eleven stores from Southland Corporation in 1991.
Southland Corporation created the 7-Eleven brand by renaming its Tote’m Stores in 1946. Financial difficulties eventually led Southland to seek outside support, and the Japanese retail company Ito-Yokado acquired a controlling interest in 7-Eleven in 1991.
Ito-Yokado’s investment helped stabilize the convenience-store business and connected the American brand to a rapidly expanding Japanese retail operation. In 2005, Seven & I Holdings was established as a holding company, and 7-Eleven became its flagship business.
A common source of confusion is the difference between Ito-Yokado and Seven & I Holdings. Ito-Yokado made the 1991 acquisition, while Seven & I Holdings later became the parent company after a corporate reorganization. The transaction helped make 7-Eleven a major international franchise network.