Operated by Alimentation Couche-Tard, the 7 Jours c-store banner today groups more than 400 independent convenience stores deeply rooted in their local community.
This banner was acquired in 1987 from Métro-Richelieu. The network, which had only 115 stores at the time, grew by almost 400% in 25 years.
Unlike a traditional franchise, this type of store is operated under a license agreement, which is limited to allowing the use of the banner in exchange for a commitment to do business with certain vendors with which Couche-Tard has rebate agreements.
Beyond these two aspects (licensing and procurement), the franchisor offers little or no support services (marketing, decoration, layout, administration, etc.).
Licensing Agreements
The 7 Jours stores are owned by independent operators. The retailer can also own the real estate or lease it from third parties and own all other assets related to the business. To become a 7 Jours c-store, the retailer enters into a license agreement with Couche-Tard for the use of its banner and agrees to purchase merchandise from certain suppliers in order to benefit from volume discounts as negotiated by Couche-Tard. Revenues from these stores include license fees and / or a portion of the discounts made by suppliers for the independent operators’ purchases, which are paid to Couche-Tard.
Banner Profile
| Name: | 7 Jours |
|---|---|
| Ranking (banners) | 2nd of 63 |
| Number of stores: | 445 |
| Description: | Convenience store banner for independant owner. |
| Franchisor: | Alimentation Couche-Tard |
| Business Model: | Type D) Affiliated independent store |
| Acquisition date: | 1987 |
| Head Office: | Laval |
| Website: | None |
| Facebook Page: | None |