Convenience retail chain 7-Eleven is set to shut down numerous locations this year as part of its business strategy. The North American operator of 7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores in the fiscal year 2026, surpassing the expected opening of 205 new stores during the same period.
Parent company Seven & i Holdings, headquartered in Japan, indicated that these closures will involve transitioning some stores into wholesale fuel outlets. Financial reports reveal a trend of 7-Eleven expanding its network of wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 locations established by December 2025.
Although specific details on the closures and affected locations were not immediately provided, the company’s website currently lists more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores across 19 countries. In North America, 7-Eleven Inc., based in Texas, manages over 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
The convenience retailer has a history of closing underperforming stores, and this latest move coincides with global economic challenges, including rising consumer prices. Geo-political tensions like the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran have disrupted energy markets, leading to a surge in gas prices for consumers.
Even before these events, persistent inflation was impacting consumer spending, particularly among low-income households, as per Seven & i’s April 9 update on the 2025 fiscal year. The company noted a softening in personal consumption, despite a resilient economy, due to inflationary pressures.
While store closures are expected in some regions, Seven & i’s subsidiaries outside of North America are planning more store openings than closures. Seven-Eleven Japan, for instance, anticipates shutting down 350 stores while opening 550 new locations, as per financial disclosures.
Seven & i projects a 9.4% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year, amounting to an estimated nearly 9.45 trillion yen (around $81.95 billion Cdn). To drive growth, the company has outlined a comprehensive transformation plan, focusing on enhancing its convenience store offerings. Initiatives include investing in fresh food selections and expanding its “7NOW” delivery service.
These changes coincide with a leadership transition at Seven & i, with Stephen Hayes Dacus assuming the role of CEO in the previous year.
