The “father” of the world's largest chain of convenience stores has died. Toshifumi Suzuki was 93 years old

Toshifumi Suzuki, considered the “father” of convenience stores in Japan, the famous “Konbini”, and former chairman of Seven & i Holdings, the owner of the 7-Eleven chain, died at the age of 93, the company announced on Monday, reports AFP.

“We wish to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness he enjoyed during his life and respectfully inform you of his passing,” the company said in a May 25 statement, adding that his death was due to “heart failure on May 18.”

Toshifumi Suzuki opened the first 7-Eleven store in Japan in 1974 and grew the company to become the world's largest convenience store chain, notably by turning around and turning the then-struggling American headquarters into a subsidiary of the Japanese company.

In Japan, these convenience stores are ubiquitous and highly regarded. There are approximately 21,000 such shops spread throughout the archipelago.

In addition to fresh produce, ready meals, sandwiches and toiletries, the Japanese go there to pay their bills, print photos, use the ATM and even send luggage across the country.

With 85,000 stores in about twenty countries, 7-Eleven is the largest convenience store chain in the world, a segment in which it is a leader, especially in the United States.