7-Eleven, the popular convenience store chain, is set to shut down a significant number of its stores in the upcoming year. Reports from its North American operator’s earnings filings indicate that 645 stores are scheduled for closure in the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the 205 new locations planned for opening during the same period.
The parent company of 7-Eleven, Seven & i Holdings based in Japan, mentioned that the closures would involve the conversion of some stores to wholesale fuel outlets. Financial records reveal that 7-Eleven has been steadily expanding its network of wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 such locations by December 2025.
No specific details regarding the closures or the affected locations were immediately provided by the company. Inquiries from the Associated Press for more information remain unanswered.
Currently, 7-Eleven operates over 86,000 stores across 19 countries globally. In North America, 7-Eleven Inc., headquartered in Texas, manages more than 13,000 stores in the United States and Canada.
The convenience store giant has a history of closing underperforming stores, a trend that continues amid global economic challenges. Rising prices have put strain on consumers worldwide, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions such as the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, leading to a surge in gas prices.
Prior to the geopolitical tensions, inflation was already impacting consumer spending, notably among low-income households in North America. Seven & i reported a softening in personal consumption for the 2025 fiscal year due to inflationary pressures.
While closures are expected in certain regions, Seven & i projects growth in its subsidiaries outside North America, particularly in Japan. Seven-Eleven Japan plans to close 350 stores but open 550 new locations based on financial reports.
Revenue projections for Seven & i indicate a 9.4% decline for the current fiscal year, totaling nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn). The company has been exploring avenues for expansion and enhancement of its convenience store offerings, including investing in fresh food options and expanding its delivery service, “7NOW.”
These strategic changes align with the company’s broader transformation plan introduced last year to drive growth. Additionally, Seven & i welcomed a new CEO, Stephen Hayes Dacus, in the previous spring, signaling a shift in leadership.