Embracing C-store success with winning franchise formula

MANILA, Philippines - Franchising is one of the most sought-after investment avenues for business aspirants. And if one is to grow his or her trade successfully, choosing the perfect franchise to complement one’s skills and acumen is the right step towards that dream of business success.

Entrepreneur Rolly San Buenaventura’s winning formula came when he entered a franchise agreement with world-leading convenience store chain 7-Eleven, under its Property Conversion Program, or PCP.

In 2011, San Buenaventura took the leap from private sector employment to property conversion franchising when his family’s  three-story building along M.H. Del Pilar Street in Malate, Manila, which was once leased as a travelers’ inn, underwent full renovation.

“At that time, the family and I thought it was best to give the once idle property an updated look and new business nature,” said San Buenaventura. “So when we completed the renovation, we felt that we needed an anchor tenant to attract other occupants as well. I just felt immediately 7-Eleven would do very well here.”

While capitalizing on the brand familiarity and industry-wide leadership of 7-Eleven are essential factors that distinguish it from other turnkey franchise options, the C-store’s property conversion franchise widens the winning parameters for partners like San Buenaventura.  

Maximized growth via strategic system

7-Eleven’s Property Conversion Program is a franchise model that offers business starters the opportunity to maximize the full potential of his or her store’s strategic location. The same advantage also best suits owners of idle properties, more specifically those located in or around commercial areas. Considered prime locations are business and call center districts, transit stations, factory, residential and school areas.

“Since it is a family-owned property, I was able to push the payment of my rent a little further and instead use the budget as additional capital,” he mused.  

After the conversion, San Buenaventura’s two-year-old outlet is a certified hit, with strong patrons coming from a cluster of manning offices, diagnostic clinics, a hospital as well as a steady stream of residential and condominium dwellers.

“I’m blessed because besides owning the building, the location attracts heavy customer traffic,” he says. “That’s the reason why even if there are other C-stores nearby, mine did not suffer from competition. In fact, my outlet is one of the better-performing stores in terms of sales in this area. 7-Eleven, via its exclusive local licensor Philippine Seven Corp. and through my own research and consultation, made sure the store is going to do well.”

To know more about 7-Eleven franchise business opportunities, call 726-9968, 0920-950-8651, 0917-871-1686, e-mail franchising@7-eleven.com.ph, or visit www.7-eleven.com.ph.