7-Eleven remodel means new gas pumps, store redesign as construction continues
The Mission Street 7-Eleven is installing state-of-the-art gas pumps as part of a major store overhaul.
The 7-Eleven, located at 2397 S. Mission St., is going through major remodeling, and the new pumps will be more computerized than the old ones and accept a wider variety of credit and debit cards.
Owner Mike Pittsley is relieved the changes are happening.
“The pumps that were here were the ones from when the store was first built about 25 years ago,” Pittsley said. “We couldn’t keep them clean and had problems with them not working, so it’s something that’s really been needed.”
Once the new pumps are installed, the inside of the store is going to have major remodeling done. The new equipment will allow 7-Eleven to sell more hot foods, such as pizza and chicken, in the near future.
In August, all of the 7-Elevens in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio were sold to the Southland Corp. Since then, Southland Corp. has brought in new equipment, including bank registers and shelving units, to all the store units in Michigan.
Unfortunately, the remodeling has cost Pittsley and his store, as no gas is being sold, resulting in a 30-35 percent drop in store sales.
“You have to put up with that kind of pain, but it usually pays off,” Pittsley said. “It would have been great if the remodeling was done over the summer when all the students weren’t up here, but you have to take it when you can get it.”
Milford junior Alysia Burgio does not think the 7-Eleven renovations are necessary, due to the busy intersection it's located on.
“I don’t think anyone needs a fancier gas station with high-tech gas pumps,” Burgio said. “A gas station is meant to be a quick in-and-out place, but if they feel the need to spoil the residents and students of Mount Pleasant, then by all means go for it.”
In contrast, Richmond junior Ike Pollari supports the renovations and thinks it will be beneficial for 7-Eleven’s business.
“The 7-Eleven is a prime spot, since a vast majority of students go that way for groceries,” Pollari said. “I think that the land needed to be renovated to make it more appealing and so more cards can be accepted.”
The renovations are projected to be completed sometime within the next two weeks.
