In the upcoming fiscal year of 2026, the North American operator of the well-known convenience chain, 7-Eleven, plans to shut down 645 stores while predicting the opening of 205 new locations. These closures are part of a strategy that includes converting some stores into wholesale fuel outlets, as indicated in the company’s recent financial filings. Over the years, 7-Eleven has been gradually expanding its network of wholesale fuel stores in North America, with more than 900 such locations by December 2025.
The company has not provided specific details on the reasons behind the closures or the exact locations affected. With a global presence in 19 countries and over 86,000 stores worldwide, 7-Eleven Inc., the operator in North America, manages more than 13,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
This move to close underperforming stores is not new for the convenience giant, which has undertaken similar actions in the past. The latest closures come at a time when consumers are facing economic pressures, exacerbated by factors like the conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran leading to elevated energy prices. Even before these events, inflation was a concern, impacting consumer spending, especially among low-income households in North America.
While North American operations are experiencing closures, Seven & i Holdings, the parent company, plans to offset these shut-downs by opening more stores globally. For instance, Seven-Eleven Japan aims to close 350 stores but simultaneously open 550 new locations, according to financial reports.
Anticipating a 9.4% decrease in revenue for the current fiscal year, totaling around 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn), Seven & i Holdings is actively seeking avenues for growth. In response, the company has outlined a strategic transformation plan that includes enhancing its convenience store offerings through increased investment in fresh food options and the expansion of its delivery service, “7NOW.”
These strategic shifts coincide with a change in leadership, with Stephen Hayes Dacus taking the helm as CEO of Seven & i last year.
