7-Eleven’s hiring push continues, could reach 70K

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 7-Eleven began hiring with a target of adding 20,000 employees. Fifty thousand new hires later, the Irving, Texas-based convenience chain has no desire to slow down now, announcing plans to recruit 20,000 more employees to meet consumer demand. 

Because it was classified as an essential business, 7-Eleven stores have been open all year long, adding safety protocols and enhanced cleaning procedures meant to keep employees and customers safe. During that time, besides growing its employee base, 7-Eleven has scaled up its 7Now delivery app to 1,300 cities and grown its store count by more than 300. 

"I am constantly inspired by our 7-Eleven Heroes – franchisees and employees alike – who have stepped up to serve communities as we continue to navigate through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven president and CEO. "Hiring 20,000 more store employees allows us to continue to fulfill our mission to give customers what they want, when and where they want it, whether in stores or at home."

The company noted that new employees will help meet the surge in mobile orders that 7Now is bringing to essentials and nonessentials, including milk and break, OTC medicine, read-to-bake meals, beer and wine and its expanded selection of private brand products. 

At the same time, 7-Eleven highlighted some of the ways it has given back this year, including donating 1 million masks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 1 million meals to Feeding America food banks. Franchisees also have stepped up to help their communities. 

"Locally owned and operated 7-Eleven stores are really going above and beyond to serve their communities," said DePinto. "I'd like to thank 7-Eleven Franchisees and corporate store employees for everything they are doing to provide necessary products and services to customers in need."