DFI has revealed plan to increase its number of mainland Chinese 7-Eleven outlets to 3,000 in the next few years from 2,000 stores currently.
Mainland China is a tough market to crack given the huge presence of both offline and online stores, however due to its high density population, it has the capability to support 7-Eleven expansion.
In the first half of 2026, China’s retail sales grew 1.3% while the consumer price index inched up 1% in the same period, highlighting a subdued spending appetite.
After Mannings’ withdrawal from mainland China, DFI still operates 7-Eleven as a franchise in Southern China, as well as owning the Maxim’s chain of restaurants in the country.
Amid the shift in shopping habits of Chinese consumers, DFI has adjusted its strategy to add digital channels and tighter cost controls. 7-Eleven business in Guangdong province now had a ‘pretty low’ cost per store, making them sustainable for DFI business.
7-Eleven focuses on growth segments like snacks and drinks as well as affordable collectibles like Hello Kitty to attract interest from younger consumers. As a result, 7-Eleven business returned to profitability in its latest financials with US$118 million in net profit for the 1st half of 2026 compared to US$38 million loss a year earlier.
