7-Eleven operators in Singapore, Thailand chow down on ready-to-eat segment

THE 7-Eleven brand of convenience stores is a familiar sight in this part of the world. But the publicly listed operators of the chain in Singapore and Thailand are jostling for the stores to be seen less as a nearby place to pick up cigarettes and beer – and more as “quick-service restaurants”.

The term was floated by Scott Price, the group chief executive of Singapore-listed DFI Retail Group, at an earnings call in August. And it has stuck.

DFI, a multi-format retailer that counts CS Fresh, Giant and Guardian under its brands, also operates 7-Eleven stores in Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and China’s Guangdong province.