7-Eleven is putting out a call-to-action for all rising, innovative brands with differentiated products: Now’s the chance to get on the shelves of the “world’s largest convenience retailer.”

Irving-headquartered 7–Eleven, Inc, which calls itself the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry, is looking for brands that have what’s described as the “best, the first, the coolest, one-of-a-kind product.” For its third annual 7-Eleven Brands with Heart event, emerging companies will have the chance to showcase products while engaging with 7-Eleven leaders.

The application is live now and is due Oct. 1.

“As a franchise business, we embody the spirit of entrepreneurship,” 7-Eleven Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Demand Chain Jack Stout said in a statement. “At a time where many retailers are pausing new product launches, 7-Eleven is excited to give small business owners this unique opportunity.”

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brands with Heart event’s product expo will this year be virtual. But, much of the format is the same. Over the course of the two-day experience, participants will attend workshops and panels with 7-Eleven merchandising and operations leadership, network with the 7-Eleven merchandising team, and pitch their products.

The agenda brings two-fold benefits for both 7-Eleven and food and beverage brands.

According to 7-Eleven, chosen participants will make a case for why they deserve to be on 7-Eleven store shelves, which are browsed by 8 million U.S. customers daily.

7-Eleven is then able to diversify its product offering “beyond the traditional c-store assortment” while at the same time serving new sips and snacks to on-the-go customers. For brands, it’s an opportunity to enter and grow within a new retail channel.

Products can really stand out in 7-Eleven’s small-store format, VP of Merchandising Chris Harkness said. Convenience store customers are more likely to try a new item that is single serve.

According to Harkness, this gets a new product into even more potential consumers’ hands.

“Ultimately, it’s our customers who will decide which products become success stories,” he said. “The Brands with Heart expo is a terrific opportunity all the way around—for customers, for companies just starting out, and for 7-Eleven to deliver more of the great products our customers want.”

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.