7-Eleven tweaks convenience store format for India roll-out next year

Experts say the emphasis on eating out at 7-Eleven in India is linked in part to curbs on foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail in the country

The city of Mumbai will see the roll-out of the first of the global 7-Eleven stores in February-March next year, but the format will be different from a conventional convenience store that stocks everyday items and is open round-the-clock for contingency buying. 

The 7-Eleven that Future Retail, which is the master franchisee of the brand in India, is putting together will be mainly “eating joints”, providing “hygienic food" for consumers in high-traffic areas such as offices, business parks, and colleges.   

“Typically, you find people eating out at roadside joints and eateries in Mumbai. We believe there is a customer base out