Starting with a branch in Phnom Penh, convenience chain giant 7-Eleven will be making its entrance into the Kingdom this June (2021).
The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok made the announcement on their Facebook page. For 30 years, 7-Eleven stores have been operating in Thailand under a master franchise agreement between CP All Plc. and 7-Eleven Inc., which is Japanese-American owned.
CP All (Cambodia), a subsidiary of the former, will oversee operation of the upcoming branches in Cambodia. They have already been granted a 30-year business license.
This development will promote bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand as well as create numerous employment opportunities, said Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand Ouk Sorphorn. After lockdown, the first branch of 7-eleven convenience store has begun recruiting through their Facebook page. It is located in Sangkat Preaek Pnov, nearby Amazon Cafe, PTT, and National Road 5.
He reported that CP All Plc. has promised at least 90 percent of employees to be locals, as well as 50 percent of inventory to consist of locally produced items.
Aside from international snacks, beverages, and a selection of toiletries and household items, 7-Eleven is known to cater to the local palette with their ready-to-eat food offerings. For example, you will find onigiri (rice balls) and bento sets in Japan, while Philippine branches include hotdog sandwiches and siopao (steamed buns).
7-Eleven also serves as a one-stop shop for financial services and digital technology, such as bills payment and topping up of online wallets. The company plans to replicate these in Cambodia, with payment portals such as Wing, Pi Pay, and TrueMoney likely included in their services.
This development of 7-Eleven expanding from Thailand into Cambodia is in line with the Thailand-Plus-One strategy being implemented by the Cambodian Embassy. In this model, Japanese companies add to their Thai-based supply chain networks through opening branches in neighboring countries.
Moreover, the project will encourage bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand. Together with CP All Plc., the Cambodian embassy has been working gradually to import local products into the Thai market.
Initially, the company will invest in up to 1,000 outlets and then offer franchises to local and foreign investors. They have also already applied for a license to open 7-Eleven stores in Laos.
7-Eleven Inc. operates a total of 71,100 stores worldwide, making it the largest convenience store chain in the world.
KH