7-Eleven to Close Hundreds of Stores in US and Canada

Convenience chain cites softening consumer spending amid high inflation as reason for major closures.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:52am

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A close-up photograph of a polished metal gas pump nozzle and a stack of crisp dollar bills, arranged elegantly on a clean, white background with dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows, symbolizing the abstract concepts of energy markets and consumer spending.As inflation and economic uncertainty weigh on consumer spending, 7-Eleven's parent company plans to shutter hundreds of underperforming stores while investing in its wholesale fuel business.NYC Today

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven plans to close 645 locations across the United States and Canada in the current fiscal year, outpacing the 205 new stores it expects to open. The parent company, Japan-based Seven & i Holdings, cited softening consumer demand, particularly among low-income households, due to persistent inflation as the primary driver behind the store closures.

Why it matters

The planned closures represent a significant shift for 7-Eleven, which has steadily expanded its footprint in North America in recent years. The store closures reflect broader economic challenges facing the retail industry as consumers pull back on spending amid high inflation and rising prices.

The details

According to the company's financial filings, the 645 store closures 'include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores.' 7-Eleven has been focusing on growing its wholesale fuel business, which now accounts for over 900 locations. The company did not provide specifics on which individual stores would be impacted by the closures.

  • 7-Eleven expects to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year.
  • The company plans to open 205 new locations in North America 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 who took over last spring.

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What’s next

The company has outlined a wider transformation plan to boost its convenience store offerings, including investing in more fresh food and expanding its delivery service. The new CEO, Stephen Hayes Dacus, will oversee these strategic changes.

The takeaway

The planned 7-Eleven store closures reflect the broader economic challenges facing the retail industry, as high inflation and softening consumer demand force companies to reevaluate their footprints. The shift towards more wholesale fuel locations also signals 7-Eleven's evolving business strategy as it seeks new avenues for growth.