Postcard Getaway

Taiwan’s most unique 7-Eleven locations, Where Favorite Characters Come to Life.

Written by Kaelie Piscitello

7-Elevens in Asia have become all the rage for Westerners visiting. Many people traveling through Japan rave about the tasty treats they have discovered, and less adventurous eaters will chow down on most of their meals there. Many surrounding countries, like South Korea, also have their version of convenience stores and Sevens. 

Taiwan’s convenience stores have become close personal friends of mine. Whenever I need a quick snack, a box of bandaids, or a pen, I can pop into the first convenience store I see, which doesn’t take long because almost every street has one!

My favorite part about the Taiwanese 7-Elevens is the fun character-based themes! Not all of them have themes, but over 50 do! I have not managed to get to all of them yet, but I have hit most of my must-sees in my 7-Eleven Bucket List. (Yes, I really have one.) 

Hello Kitty/Sanrio Characters 

Many of the themed shops are located near my place in Ximending, making it easy for me to visit them. For example, if I decide to walk, I pass the Sanrio-themed Seven on my way home from work everyday.

The Hello Kitty Seven is a five-minute walk from the Sanrio one, and I can’t decide which one I like better. Both have cute pictures of Kitty and her friends around the store, with lots of Sanrio-themed merchandise for purchase. The Hello Kitty-specific one has an incredible display of Hello Kitty toys all smiling together in a glass case. It also has a giant bow that says “Stay Cute.” Both are adorable, but I think I prefer the Hello Kitty one.

Lays

I might be one of the world’s largest fans of Lays Potato Chips. I could eat them by the bucket full, so it only seemed natural to visit the Lays Potato Chips-themed 7-Eleven in Ximending in December.  

The store has a giant Lays sign outside that I have taken several photos of, and it also has a giant potato chip-shaped table for people to enjoy snacks at. It also has a Lays car with some merchandise stacked on top.

I’m surprised the Lays store does not sell more chips! They have the fun flavors in the back, but many Sanrio and Snoopy toys are poised out front instead. I like this store because I love the brand. However, I think there are more impressive shops out there.

Snoopy

I have a friend who is obsessed with Snoopy, and she wanted to visit the Snoopy 7-Eleven on her birthday. So, of course, we had to go. Snoopy’s 7-Eleven has become my favorite in Taipei.

It has adorable Peanuts comic strips with great quotes about “sweet baboos” and other adventures with the characters. It has a giant Snoopy statue in the middle and many giant light-up signs plastered with Snoopy on the walls. 

It also has a life-sized replica of his dog house, with him lying on top in his Halloween beagle outfit. As a lifelong fan of the Peanuts characters, this is the most adorable 7-Eleven.

I always think it’s funny that people in Taiwan like Snoopy so much because they don’t seem to know the rest of The Peanuts. I’ve asked and found that many people in Taiwan have not seen any of the Peanuts holiday specials. In the United States, we love Snoopy, but we also tend to think of the franchise belonging to Charlie Brown. 

Mickey Mouse

Next to the Snoopy Seven, Mickey Mouse ranks second on my rankings list. It sells many Mickey Mouse merchandise, including suitcases, stuffed toys, pens, and other items.

It has a set of red and black Mickey chairs, tables for people to eat at, and fantastic decor around the establishment. I love the framed photos of him on the walls and tiled floor with pictures of his hands making peace signs and waving at customers. 

The ceiling has silhouettes of his face in white contrasting against the navy blue, and overall, it has a nice color scheme of red, black, white, and navy. I wish I lived closer to this one because I would visit all the time if I did.

7-Eleven Taiwan Characters

Fun fact: Taiwan has a unique set of 7-Eleven characters, including Open Chan, the alien dog mascot. Open Chan has his shop up the street from my apartment, so I have often stopped there for a quick breakfast on my way to school.

Like Snoopy, Open Chan has a statue standing outside to greet customers. The shop also has rainbows posted on the walls and cute merchandise. The store features some of Open Chan’s friends, including his female and “evil” purple counterparts.

I think Open Chan’s store comes in a solid third place because he has come through for me all year whenever I need a pick-me-up or fast fix for something on my way to school. Of course, I have difficulty choosing when they all make such fun places to visit!