Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is set to shut down numerous locations this year. As per recent financial reports, 7-Eleven’s operator in North America plans to close 645 stores in the fiscal year 2026, surpassing the 205 new stores it intends to open in the same period.
The parent company of 7-Eleven, Seven & i Holdings based in Japan, mentioned that these closures would involve converting some stores into wholesale fuel outlets. Financial data reveals that 7-Eleven has been steadily inaugurating new wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 such locations by December 2025.
7-Eleven did not provide immediate details on the reasons for the closures or specify the impacted locations. Inquiries made by the Associated Press for more information remain unanswered.
Currently, there are more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores operating in 19 countries worldwide. 7-Eleven Inc., the operator for North America headquartered in Texas, manages over 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada.
The convenience chain has previously closed several underperforming stores, and the latest closures come amidst global economic challenges with rising prices affecting consumers. Geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran, have disrupted energy markets, resulting in surging gas prices for motorists.
Even before the geopolitical tensions escalated, consumers were grappling with persistent inflation. Seven & i’s report on April 9 highlighted that personal consumption in North America softened during the 2025 fiscal year, particularly among low-income households, due to ongoing inflationary pressures.
Outside North America, Seven & i’s subsidiaries are expected to open more stores than they close, with Seven-Eleven Japan planning to close 350 stores while opening 550 new locations, as per financial disclosures.
The company anticipates a 9.4% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year, amounting to an estimated nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn).
In pursuit of growth opportunities, Seven & i unveiled an extensive transformation strategy last year aimed at enhancing its convenience store offerings. The company intends to invest in expanding fresh food options and enhancing its “7NOW” delivery service.
These strategic changes coincide with the appointment of Stephen Hayes Dacus as the CEO of Seven & i last spring.