Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is set to shut down a significant number of its outlets this year. As per recently disclosed financial reports, 7-Eleven’s North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the 205 new locations it intends to open during the same period.
Seven & i Holdings, the parent company based in Japan, mentioned that these closures would involve transitioning some stores to wholesale fuel outlets. Financial records reveal that 7-Eleven has been consistently opening new wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 such locations operational by December 2025.
The company has not provided specific details on the closures or the affected locations. When contacted for additional information, The Associated Press did not receive an immediate response.
Currently, there are more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores across 19 countries worldwide, with 7-Eleven Inc., the operator for North America headquartered in Texas, managing over 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Over the years, the convenience store giant has closed numerous underperforming stores, and the recent closures come amid global consumer strain due to rising prices. Geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran, have significantly impacted energy markets, resulting in surging gas prices for consumers.
Even before the conflict, consumers were grappling with persistent inflation. In its report on April 9, Seven & i highlighted that personal consumption in North America started to decline in the 2025 fiscal year, particularly among low-income households, due to ongoing inflationary pressures.
While Seven & i subsidiaries outside of North America are poised to open more stores than they are closing, including Seven-Eleven Japan, which plans to close 350 stores and open 550 new locations, the company anticipates a 9.4% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year, amounting to approximately 9.45 trillion yen (around $81.95 billion Cdn).
In pursuit of growth opportunities, the company has been implementing a broader transformation strategy, focusing on enhancing its convenience store offerings. Key initiatives include investing in fresh food offerings and expanding the “7NOW” delivery service.
These strategic shifts coincide with the appointment of Stephen Hayes Dacus as the new CEO of Seven & i last spring.