7-Eleven, the popular convenience store chain, is set to shut down numerous locations this year. In the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, 7-Eleven’s North American operator plans to close 645 stores, surpassing the 205 new store openings projected during the same period.
Parent company Seven & i Holdings, based in Japan, mentioned that the closures would involve the transition to wholesale fuel stores. Financial reports indicate a consistent opening of new wholesale fuel stores in North America by 7-Eleven, with over 900 such locations as of December 2025.
The company did not immediately provide reasons for the closures or specify the affected locations. The Associated Press has sought further clarification on this matter.
Currently, there are more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores operating in 19 countries worldwide. In North America, 7-Eleven Inc., headquartered in Texas, manages over 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Over the years, the convenience giant has closed several underperforming stores, with the latest closures coinciding with global consumer challenges like rising prices. The recent surge in gas prices, partly due to tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, has added pressure on consumers.
Even before these events, inflation was already a concern. Seven & i highlighted in its April 9 report that personal consumption had started to soften in North America in the 2025 fiscal year, particularly among low-income households, due to persistent inflation.
While some Seven & i subsidiaries outside North America are set to close stores, openings are expected to outpace closures. Seven-Eleven Japan, for instance, plans to close 350 stores but open 550 new locations, as per financial disclosures.
For the current fiscal year, Seven & i anticipates a 9.4% decline in revenue, amounting to an estimated nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn).
To drive growth, the company has been exploring new opportunities and introduced a comprehensive transformation plan last year to enhance its convenience store offerings. This plan includes investment in fresh food options and the expansion of its “7NOW” delivery service.
These changes coincide with new leadership, with Stephen Hayes Dacus assuming the role of CEO at Seven & i last spring.
