Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is set to shutter hundreds of its stores this year. The North American operator of 7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the 205 openings projected during the same period. The parent company, Seven & i Holdings, mentioned that these closures will involve transitioning some stores into wholesale fuel outlets, as indicated in financial reports. In recent years, 7-Eleven has been steadily expanding its network of wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 locations by December 2025.
Although the company did not provide specific details or reasons for the closures, it is part of their strategy to optimize operations. Currently, there are more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores in 19 countries globally, with the North American arm overseeing over 13,000 stores in the United States and Canada.
The decision to close stores comes amidst challenging economic conditions, including global inflationary pressures and energy market disruptions due to geopolitical tensions. Seven & i observed a softening in personal consumption, particularly among lower-income households in North America, as inflationary pressures persisted through the 2025 fiscal year.
Meanwhile, Seven & i’s subsidiaries outside North America are expected to open more stores than they are closing, with Seven-Eleven Japan planning to close 350 stores while opening 550 locations. The company anticipates a 9.4% decline in revenue for the current fiscal year, amounting to nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn).
7-Eleven has been focusing on enhancing its convenience store offerings through a comprehensive transformation plan, which includes investments in fresh food options 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.