A spokesperson for 7-Eleven tells GlobeSt.com that Boston is oneof four markets--the others are New York City, Chicago and LosAngeles--where the retailer is looking to expand. She notes thatthe urban-store format involves sites that range from 1,500 sf to2,000 sf rather than the standard 2,500 sf to 3,000 sf. The smallerformat will allow the stores to fit into existing structures in thecity.

Recently, the company opened a store on Washington Street in theSouth End in a former bank branch. "In suburbia we havefreestanding stores but with the dense concentration of buildingsin the city we look at what ever will work," says thespokesperson.

A system of daily deliveries will support the smaller footprintby providing fresh foods and obviating the need for as much spaceto accommodate products. "We saw that we can be successful in asmaller footprint," the spokesperson adds.