Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is set to shutter multiple locations this year, with plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the 205 new stores it intends to open during the same period, as revealed in recent earnings filings.
Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven based in Japan, mentioned that the closures will involve transitioning some stores into wholesale fuel outlets. Financial reports indicate a consistent expansion of new wholesale fuel stores in North America by 7-Eleven, with over 900 such locations established by December 2025.
The specific reasons behind the closures were not immediately disclosed, and the company did not identify the locations that might be affected. The Associated Press has reached out for further details.
With a global presence of over 86,000 stores in 19 countries, 7-Eleven Inc., the operator for North America headquartered in Texas, manages more than 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada.
Over the years, the convenience giant has closed numerous underperforming stores, with the latest closures reflecting the challenges posed by rising prices worldwide. Geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran, have led to surging gas prices, exacerbating the situation for consumers.
Even before the recent geopolitical events, persistent inflation was impacting consumer spending, especially among low-income households. Seven & i highlighted in its April 9 report that while the economy remained strong in North America, personal consumption was beginning to soften due to inflationary pressures.
Despite the closures, Seven & i’s subsidiaries outside of North America are expected to open more stores than they are closing. For instance, Seven-Eleven Japan plans to close 350 stores but open 550 new locations, as per financial disclosures.
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, Seven & i unveiled a comprehensive transformation plan last year to enhance its convenience store offerings. This strategy includes investments in fresh food offerings and the expansion of its “7NOW” delivery service.
These strategic changes coincide with the appointment of Stephen Hayes Dacus as the new CEO of Seven & i last spring.