DALLAS -- Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc., the largest chain in the convenience retailing industry, has reported March 2004 sales results of $977.3 million, an increase of 8.2 percent over the March 2003 total of $903.4 million. Total merchandise sales for March 2004 were $639.8 million, an increase of 7.4
percent over the March 2003 total of $595.6 million. U.S. same-store merchandise sales for March 2004 increased 7.3 percent, on top of a 4.0 percent increase in March 2003.
Gasoline sales for March 2004 were $337.5 million, a 9.6-percent increase compared to $307.8 million in the prior-year period. Average gallons sold per store increased 7.7 percent in March 2004 compared to the March 2003 result. The average retail price of gasoline for March 2004 was $1.79, compared to $1.73 in March 2003.
The following results compare year-to-date results through March 2004 to the same period last year:
* U.S. same-store merchandise sales increased 6.1 percent, on top of a 3.7-percent increase for 2003.
* Merchandise sales are $1.8 billion, an increase of 7.5 percent.
* Gasoline sales total $927.9 million, an increase of 11.3 percent.
* Average gallons sold per store have increased 7.2 percent.
7-Eleven Inc. operates or franchises approximately 5,800 7-Eleven stores in the United States and Canada and licenses approximately 20,500 7-Eleven stores in 17 other countries and U.S. territories throughout the world. During 2003, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $36 billion.