7-Eleven to Close Hundreds of Stores in North America This Year

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

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a padlock, calculator, and stack of dollar bills arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the business and financial factors behind 7-Eleven's planned store closures.As economic pressures mount, the 7-Eleven convenience store chain prepares to shutter hundreds of locations across North America.NYC Today

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven has announced plans to close 645 of its locations across North America in the 2026 fiscal year, outpacing the 205 new stores it expects to open during that same period. The company cited higher prices, inflation, and softening consumer spending as factors behind the closures, which will include the conversion of some stores to wholesale fuel outlets.

Why it matters

The planned 7-Eleven closures reflect broader challenges facing the retail and convenience store industry, as higher costs and economic uncertainty lead major chains to reevaluate their footprints. These closures could impact local communities that rely on 7-Eleven stores for basic goods and services.

The details

According to financial filings, 7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, while opening 205 new locations. The company noted that the closures 'include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores,' as 7-Eleven has been expanding its wholesale fuel business in recent years. The specific locations that will be impacted were not disclosed.

  • 7-Eleven expects to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year.
  • The company plans to open 205 new locations during the same period.

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., who took over last spring.

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What’s next

The company has not provided details on which specific 7-Eleven locations will be closed, but has said the closures will include the conversion of some stores to wholesale fuel outlets.

The takeaway

The planned 7-Eleven store closures reflect the broader challenges facing the retail and convenience store industry, as high inflation, economic uncertainty, and changing consumer habits force major chains to reevaluate their physical footprints. These closures could have significant impacts on local communities that rely on 7-Eleven stores for basic goods and services.