IRVING, Texas—7‑Eleven Inc. has hit a major growth milestone—topping 70,000 stores. Shoppers can visit the world’s largest convenience retailer in 17 countries and regions around the globe. The first 7‑Eleven store in India is expected to open this year, expanding the company's operations to 18 countries.

“Over 93 years, we've grown from a small local ice house in Oak Cliff, Texas, to a global and iconic brand that is 70,000 stores strong,” said 7‑Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto, in a press release. “That strength is due to a relentless focus on meeting the needs of our customers. We'll continue to place our customers at the forefront of all we do.”

Last year, 7‑Eleven opened one store approximately every 3.5 hours. As 7‑Eleven continues to grow, the company remains focused on its role as a good corporate citizen, addressing social and environmental issues important to customers and the communities where they live and work.

In 1927, convenience retailing and 7‑Eleven were born in Dallas when an employee of The Southland Ice Company (now 7‑Eleven Inc.) began selling bread, milk and eggs from an ice dock after local grocery stores were closed. Unlike grocery stores, ice docks were open 16 hours a day, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. With the invention of refrigeration eliminating the need for ice stores, Southland transformed its locations into convenient neighborhood markets.

Here’s a quick look at 7-Eleven’s international expansion by country:

Japan: 20,988 stores

Thailand: 11,712 stores

South Korea: 10, 016 stores

USA: 9,364 stores

Taiwan: 5,647 stores

China: 3,154 stores

Philippines: 2,864 stores

Malaysia: 2,411 stores

Mexico: 1,829 stores

Australia: 708 stores

Canada: 636 stores

Singapore: 411 stores

Norway: 154 stores

Denmark: 172 stores

Sweden: 83 stores

Vietnam: 44 stores

UAE: 12 stores

In December, 7-Eleven reached another major milestone when the chain's loyalty program exceeded 25-million users.