Started in 1927, 7-Eleven Inc. is one of the leaders in the convenience retailing industry in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, it operates, franchises and licenses over 7,100 stores in the United States and Canada. The firm has convenience stores in countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. 7-Eleven Inc. received the 2009 Shopper-Centric Marketing Innovation from Symphony IRI and the 2010 Retailer of the Year award from PL Buyer.