7-Eleven Announces Closure of 645 North American Stores in 2026 Fiscal Year
7-Eleven, the popular convenience chain, is set to close 645 stores in North America in the 2026 fiscal year, surpassing the 205 new locations it plans to open during the same period. The closures are part of a strategy that includes converting some stores to wholesale fuel locations. The parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., has been expanding its wholesale fuel store presence in North America, with over 900 locations as of December 2025. The company did not provide specific details on which stores will be affected by the closures.
Currently, there are more than 86,000 7-Eleven stores worldwide across 19 countries, with over 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada managed by 7-Eleven Inc. The chain has a history of closing underperforming stores, and the latest closures come amid global economic challenges, including rising gas prices due to geopolitical tensions.
Seven & i's subsidiaries outside of North America are also undergoing changes, with Seven-Eleven Japan planning to close 350 stores and open 550 new locations. The company expects a 9.4% decrease in revenue for the current fiscal year, amounting to nearly 9.45 trillion yen (about $59.5 billion). To drive growth, Seven & i is focusing on enhancing its convenience store offerings, including investing in fresh food options and expanding its delivery service, "7NOW."
These strategic shifts coincide with new leadership at Seven & i, with Stephen Hayes Dacus taking over as CEO last year. The company is navigating a challenging economic landscape while seeking opportunities for expansion and innovation in its convenience store business.