From Gold Shop to Convenience Stores: Mr. Nallakaruppan’s 23-Year Journey with 7-Eleven

When Mr. Nallakaruppan first stepped into the world of business, it was anything but predictable. He ran a gold retail shop, moved into trading, operated a bar, and even managed a petroleum cleaning service for the Petronas Towers. Each venture lasted only a few years before he moved on to something new. “If you stay too long, it goes bust,” he recalled with candor.

That pattern changed in 2002 when a friend suggested he consider franchising with 7-Eleven. Intrigued by the promise of a guided business model and lower barriers to entry, he took a leap of faith. His first store at Marina Square marked the beginning of what would become a 23-year journey, growing steadily to 17 outlets across Singapore.

“Franchising is the way to do business. If anybody wants to start out, especially without prior experience, the best is to get a franchise.”

Taking the Leap into Franchising

At first, Mr. Nalla admitted he was not entirely convinced. “How can you make money with somebody else’s business?” he wondered. Still, with his textile shop failing, he decided to give it a try.

The challenge began with financing. Banks were hesitant to lend money to someone without a proven track record. Undeterred, he borrowed from friends and worked side by side with his wife to keep the business afloat.

Slowly, operations stabilized. After three years, he opened a second outlet in Orchard. By the time he reached his third store, growth accelerated. “Once you know the knack of the business, you start doing quite well,” he explained.

The Support System Behind the Brand

Reflecting on those early years, Mr. Nalla credited the franchisor for their guidance. Field managers visited to ensure stores complied with brand standards and to analyze sales. “They don’t let you feel like you’re alone in the sea,” he said. When COVID-19 hit, the franchisor extended rental rebates and other relief to help franchisees survive. “If we die, they also have problems. So they really managed us quite well and guided us throughout,” he recalled.

While staffing remained his own responsibility, everything else, from supply chain to invoicing was streamlined by the franchise system. This allowed him to focus on what mattered most: sales and customer service.

Keys to Success: Commitment and Trust

For Mr. Nalla, success in franchising is not only about the system but also the entrepreneur’s mindset. Commitment, trust in the franchisor, and a positive outlook are, in his words, non-negotiable.

“Finding fault is easy. But can you do better on your own? That’s why I joined a franchise. You must trust HQ and be positive, then you will succeed.”

Another factor has been the loyalty of his team. Many of his staff have been with him for more than a decade, providing stability and enabling expansion. Asked about the most rewarding part of his journey, Mr. Nalla smiled. “When you see the profit at the end of the month, you don’t really work much. It’s only about commitment.”

Yet beyond profits, he takes pride in the livelihoods he sustains. “My staff are like family. Some have been with me 10 or 12 years. They are happy working with me, and that makes me feel really good.”

The Franchise Advantage

Mr. Nalla’s journey also reflects the strength of the 7-Eleven model. Since 1988, 7-Eleven Singapore has empowered entrepreneurs with a proven system that reduces the risks of starting from scratch.

Franchisees take over fully equipped stores with established sales history and gain access to services like payroll, equipment maintenance, marketing support, and robust inventory systems.

Every franchisee also undergoes a three-month training programme covering store operations, administration, and customer service, followed by continuous coaching from dedicated Field Consultants. With this foundation, even individuals without prior retail experience can build sustainable businesses.

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