7-Eleven Announces Closure of 645 U.S. Stores in 2026 Amid Global Economic Challenges
7-Eleven, a popular convenience store chain, is set to close 645 stores in the U.S. in fiscal year 2026, as reported in recent earnings filings. The closures will include the conversion of some stores to wholesale fuel locations. Despite this, the chain has been steadily opening new wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 locations as of December 2025. The company plans to open 205 new stores during the same period, but the closures will outnumber the openings.
The reasons behind the store closures have not been officially disclosed by 7-Eleven. However, the company has been closing underperforming stores in recent years due to factors such as slowing sales, decreased foot traffic, and inflationary pressures. Currently, 7-Eleven operates over 86,000 stores across 19 countries, with more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada managed by 7-Eleven Inc., based in Texas.
The decision to close stores comes at a time when consumers are facing higher prices globally. The conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has led to increased energy prices, particularly affecting gas prices for consumers. Even before the conflict, inflation was a concern, impacting personal consumption, especially among low-income households in North America.
While store closures are expected in some regions, Seven & i Holdings Co., the parent company of 7-Eleven, anticipates growth in other markets. For instance, Seven-Eleven Japan plans to close 350 stores but open 550 new locations. The company projects 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 has outlined a transformation plan that includes enhancing convenience store offerings, investing in fresh food options, and expanding its delivery service, "7NOW." These changes coincide with the appointment of Stephen Hayes Dacus as the new CEO of Seven & i. The company is focused on adapting to market challenges and exploring new opportunities for expansion.