The instigation of a 10 year blueprint, Energising Everyone, has been instrumental to the success of The Franchise Council of Australia’s 2008 Franchisor of the Year, 7-Eleven.

The plan underpins a $22m, five year investment by the franchisor to set world class benchmarks in the Australian convenience retailing industry.

A cornerstone of the plan, launched last year, has been the partnership with franchisees, said CEO Warren Wilmot. The retailer is involved in active listening programs such as a franchisee advisory council.

“We’ve recognized that changing consumer tastes have led to declining sales in traditional core convenience store products such as confectionery and tobacco, Wilmot said.

“Our Energising Everyone program has refocused our business and our franchisees on more profitable growth strategies, such as frozen drink Slurpee and freshly prepared food through the Munch range. We also introduced new products such as public transport tickets and ATM services in many of our stores, which have increased both foot traffic and sales.

“We are delighted, through this award, to be recognized as a best practice business both in retailing and the overall franchise sector,” added Wilmot.