PHOTOS: 7-Eleven Slurpee cold, hard facts

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Friday, July 11, 2014
In 1965, a 7-Eleven zone manager visiting a store in Carrollton, Texas, noticed an Icee machine and thought it had great sales potential for 7-Eleven stores.  (Photo: 1973 Slurpee)
The most Slurpee beverages are sold in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, followed by the greater Detroit, Mich. area.  (Photo: 1960s billboard)
"Oh Thank Heaven for 7-Eleven" campaign was introduced in 1969.
The convenience store was born in 1927 and became known as 7-Eleven to reflect the 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. hours of operation. (Photo: 1960s 7-Eleven)
Sold originally in 7-Eleven stores as "Icee," 7-Eleven decided to brand its new product. The name Slurpee was created in May 1967.
Since its introduction in 1965, more than 6 billion Slurpee drinks have been sold, just about enough for every person on the planet. (Photo: 7-Eleven in 1970s)
Today on average, more than 32 million Slurpee drinks are consumed every month, that's an average of more than 1 million each day.
The company made its own Slurpee syrup until 1988, when it signed an exclusive contract with The Coca-Cola Company to make all Slurpee syrup for corporate 7-Eleven stores.
On July 11, 7-Eleven, the world's largest convenience store retailer, is celebrating its 88th birthday.
Between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on July 11th, 7-Eleven customers enjoy a FREE SMALL Slurpee® drink.
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PHOTOS: 7-Eleven Slurpee cold, hard factsIn 1965, a 7-Eleven zone manager visiting a store in Carrollton, Texas, noticed an Icee machine and thought it had great sales potential for 7-Eleven stores. (Photo: 1973 Slurpee)
7-Eleven

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- In honor of 7-Eleven's 87th birthday, here are some facts about the convenience store that are worth slurping about.