7-Eleven to Close Hundreds of Stores Across North America

Convenience chain cites inflation and economic softening as reasons for major store closures in 2026.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:14pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a neatly arranged set of premium, polished objects representing the business of convenience retail, including a sleek gas pump, a modern cash register, and a selection of high-quality packaged snacks, set against a clean, monochromatic seamless background using sharp, dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to convey a sense of corporate strategy and the abstract challenges facing the industry.As 7-Eleven plans to shutter hundreds of stores across North America, the convenience retail giant faces economic headwinds that are reshaping the industry.NYC Today

According to earnings filings, 7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, outpacing the 205 locations it forecasts it will open during that same time. The company cited higher prices straining consumers and softening personal consumption, particularly among low-income households, as factors behind the planned closures.

Why it matters

The 7-Eleven closures reflect broader challenges facing the retail industry, as high inflation and economic uncertainty lead consumers to pull back on spending. The convenience store giant's plans to shutter hundreds of underperforming locations underscore the need for retailers to adapt their strategies to changing market conditions.

The details

Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japan-based parent company of 7-Eleven, noted in its April 9 report that the planned closures 'include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores.' The company did not provide specifics on which locations would be impacted. 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 out of the over 86,000 7-Eleven stores worldwide.

  • The 645 store closures are planned for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • 7-Eleven forecasts it will open 205 new locations during the 2026 fiscal year.

The players

Seven & i Holdings Co.

The Japan-based parent company of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain.

7-Eleven Inc.

The North American operator of the 7-Eleven brand, based in Texas, which oversees more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Stephen Hayes Dacus

The new CEO of Seven & i Holdings Co., appointed last spring.

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What’s next

The company has outlined a wider transformation plan aimed at boosting its convenience store offerings, including investing in more fresh food and expanding its '7NOW' delivery service. The impact of the planned store closures on employees and local communities remains to be seen.

The takeaway

The 7-Eleven closures reflect the broader challenges facing the retail industry as high inflation and economic uncertainty lead consumers to pull back on spending. The convenience store giant's plans to shutter hundreds of underperforming locations underscore the need for retailers to adapt their strategies to changing market conditions.