News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has unanimously approved the development of a new 7-Eleven store at the Pines and Greenwood intersection, signaling the chain’s return to Louisiana after over three decades. As part of an expansion plan featuring 1,300 new stores nationwide, the new outlet is anticipated to create economic opportunities but has raised concerns among local convenience store employees regarding market competition. The development also aims to attract additional businesses, potentially enhancing the local economy.
Shreveport — The Shreveport City Council has unanimously approved the development of a new 7-Eleven store, marking the potential return of the convenience store chain to Louisiana after an absence of over three decades. The new store is proposed to be located at the intersection of Pines and Greenwood roads, specifically on the northwest corner of the intersection. This decision comes as part of an amendment to the official zoning regulations within Shreveport’s Unified Development Plan.
The 7-Eleven chain, known for its convenience stores and gas stations, exited the Louisiana market in 1988 when Circle K acquired 473 stores from Southland Corporation. This acquisition was valued at approximately $150 million and resulted in a significant reduction of 7-Eleven’s footprint in the southern states, effectively creating a “7-Eleven desert” in Louisiana that has remained until now. South Carolina, meanwhile, became the only southern state to welcome back the chain.
In anticipation of establishing its presence in Shreveport, 7-Eleven has initiated a major expansion plan, aiming to launch 1,300 new stores across the country within the next five years, with over 100 new outlets slated for this year alone. Currently, no 7-Eleven locations operate in Louisiana, making Shreveport a prime candidate for the first store to return the brand to the state.
Concerns have arisen among local employees from competing convenience stores regarding market saturation and job security as a result of this new development. Some employees from rival establishments emphasize that the area already has an adequate number of gas stations and convenience stores, suggesting that competition from a new 7-Eleven could adversely impact existing businesses. These individuals fear that the new store may lead to closures, resulting in job losses among local workers.
The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) played a critical role in reviewing the proposal for the new store. During previous meetings, the MPC did not receive any opposition to the development. The Commission ultimately approved the zoning change but requested that certain restrictions be placed on the property development, specifically disallowing overnight parking for 18-wheelers at the proposed location.
Developers from Houston are set to build the store on a 25-acre site at the proposed Pines and Greenwood intersection. There are suggestions that the development of the 7-Eleven may lead to additional businesses complementing the convenience store, such as a Chipotle restaurant and an urgent care center, enhancing the area’s commercial viability.
The approval of the new 7-Eleven store represents a notable moment not just for Shreveport but for the entire state of Louisiana, as the community anticipates the benefits and challenges that could come with the chain’s return. As the project moves forward, it will be essential to balance the potential economic growth against the concerns voiced by local business employees regarding competition and job security.
In conclusion, Shreveport’s decision to welcome 7-Eleven back provides an interesting glimpse into the evolving landscape of convenience store retail in the region, with both opportunities for economic development and the need to consider the livelihoods of existing local business employees at the forefront of community contemplation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: City Council Approves 7-Eleven
- Wikipedia: 7-Eleven
- 710 KEEL: Louisiana’s 7-Eleven Return
- Google Search: 7-Eleven in Louisiana
- K945: Shreveport Growth
- Google Scholar: Shreveport Business Development
- MSN: West Shreveport Residents Support New Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Development
- Dignity Memorial: Donald Shelton
- Google News: Shreveport City Council
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
