Additional Coverage:
7-Eleven Plans Significant Store Closures Amid Shifting Market Conditions
NEW YORK – Convenience store giant 7-Eleven is preparing to close hundreds of its locations across North America in the coming fiscal year, according to recent earnings disclosures.
The company’s North American operator, owned by Japan-based Seven & i Holdings Co., announced plans to shutter 645 stores during the 2026 fiscal year. This figure surpasses the 205 new store openings projected for the same period. Some closures will involve converting existing outlets into wholesale fuel stores, a segment that 7-Eleven has been steadily expanding, now comprising over 900 locations as of December 2025.
While specific details about which stores will close have not been released, the move reflects ongoing adjustments within the company’s portfolio. Seven & i currently operates more than 13,000 7-Eleven locations across the U.S. and Canada, contributing to a global footprint of over 86,000 stores in 19 countries.
The retailer has historically closed underperforming sites, and the latest round of closures comes amid broader economic challenges. Rising inflation and geopolitical tensions, notably the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, have driven up energy prices, putting additional pressure on consumers. Seven & i noted a softening in personal consumption during the 2025 fiscal year, particularly among lower-income households affected by inflation.
Outside North America, Seven & i expects growth to continue, with subsidiaries like Seven-Eleven Japan planning to open more stores than they close-projecting 550 new openings against 350 closures.
For the current fiscal year, Seven & i anticipates a 9.4% decline in revenue, estimating nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $59.5 billion). In response, the company is pursuing a strategic transformation focused on expanding fresh food options and enhancing its “7NOW” delivery service, initiatives introduced under the leadership of new CEO Stephen Hayes Dacus, who took the helm last spring.
As 7-Eleven adapts to changing consumer behaviors and economic headwinds, its focus on innovation and selective growth will be key to navigating the evolving convenience retail landscape.