7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores in the U.S. this year
7-Eleven to Close 645 Stores Across the U.S. in Fiscal Year 2026
According to earnings filings from the convenience chain published last week, 7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores across the U.S. in fiscal year 2026. The parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., based in Japan, stated that these closures will include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores. This decision comes as the company has steadily opened new wholesale fuel stores in North America, with over 900 locations as of December 2025.
Despite the forecast to open 205 new stores during the same period, the closures will outpace the openings. The reasoning behind the store closures was not immediately disclosed by the company. However, in recent years, 7-Eleven has closed hundreds of underperforming convenience stores due to factors such as slowing sales, decreased foot traffic, and inflationary pressures.
7-Eleven Inc., the brand’s North American operator based in Texas, currently oversees more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The chain has a global presence with over 86,000 stores across 19 countries.
Challenges in the Convenience Store Industry
The latest wave of store closures coincides with challenges in the industry, including rising prices that are straining consumers worldwide. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has disrupted energy markets, leading to soaring gas prices for consumers.
Even before the geopolitical tensions, inflation has been a persistent issue. Seven & i noted in its April 9 report that personal consumption in North America began to soften in the 2025 fiscal year, particularly among low-income households, as inflation continued to impact spending habits.
Future Outlook for Seven & i Holdings Co.
While Seven & i subsidiaries outside of North America are set to open more stores than they are closing, the company still expects a 9.4% decrease in revenue for the current fiscal year, totaling nearly 9.45 trillion yen (about $59.5 billion).
To drive growth, Seven & i has been exploring new opportunities, including a transformation plan to enhance its convenience store offerings. This plan involves investing in fresh food offerings and expanding its “7NOW” delivery service. The company’s new CEO, Stephen Hayes Dacus, who took over last spring, is leading these changes.
