7-Eleven to Close Hundreds of Stores in North America

Convenience chain cites inflation, consumer softening as reasons for major closures outpacing new openings

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek metal cash register, a glass fuel pump, and a stack of financial documents, symbolizing the business and financial factors behind the planned 7-Eleven store closures.The closure of hundreds of 7-Eleven stores across North America reflects broader economic pressures on consumers and the convenience retail industry.NYC Today

7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, outpacing the 205 new locations it expects to open during that same period. The Japan-based parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., cited higher prices straining consumers and softening personal consumption, particularly among low-income households, as reasons for the store closures.

Why it matters

The 7-Eleven brand is a ubiquitous presence across North America, with over 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. These planned closures represent a significant shift in the convenience store landscape, potentially impacting access to goods and services in affected communities. The reasons behind the closures, such as inflation and changing consumer behavior, also provide insight into broader economic trends.

The details

According to the company's financial filings, the 645 store closures 'include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores.' Over recent years, 7-Eleven has been steadily opening more of these wholesale fuel locations, which now account for over 900 of its North American stores. The company did not specify which individual locations would be impacted by the closures.

  • 7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year.
  • The company expects to open 205 new locations in North America during the same 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, which oversees more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Stephen Hayes Dacus

The recently appointed CEO of Seven & i Holdings Co.

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The takeaway

The planned 7-Eleven store closures in North America reflect the broader economic challenges facing consumers and businesses, with inflation and softening demand leading the convenience store giant to shutter hundreds of underperforming locations. This shift in the retail landscape could impact access to goods and services in affected communities, underscoring the need to monitor the evolving convenience store industry.