There’s been a lot of talk lately about 7-Eleven and Dunkin’ Donuts increasing their corporate profiles on the Lower East Side. A few weeks ago, residents turned back (at least temporarily) a proposal to lease storefronts on Grand Street to the two chain stores. But as some of those same newly active neighbors have noticed, 7-Eleven has also had its sights on a location just two blocks away — a space next door to a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise at 142 Delancey Street.
Work has been going on here for quite awhile. Buildings Department permits were first filed late last year. The news shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. It was reported this week that 7-Eleven plans to open 630 new stores in North America this year, breaking a company record set last year.
A press release picked up by a retail trade publication spelled out 7-Eleven’s intentions:
“7-Eleven’s U.S. growth strategy includes building greater market presence and adding quality locations in metropolitan areas where the company already has stores as a means to increase efficiencies and leverage the company’s scale and daily-delivery structure,” said 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto in a statement. Approximately 56% of 7-Eleven’s 2011 U.S. store growth was the result of acquisitions that increased store density in New York, Florida, Illinois, Colorado and the Northwest… “Year to date, 7-Eleven already has added more than 200 new locations in North America,” said real estate vice president Dan Porter. “We believe we are adding more new locations around the world than any other company and are the second fastest-growing food retailer in the U.S., based on new store openings.”
Meanwhile, the Seward Park Co-op (owner of the Grand Street spaces), aided by residents, is still evaluating alternatives to the chains.
