7-Eleven's North American operator, Seven & i Holdings, recently announced plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, significantly exceeding the 205 new locations it anticipates opening during the same period. The company did not provide specific reasons for these closures or identify which stores would be affected.
The closures are part of a broader strategy that includes a shift towards converting some locations into wholesale fuel stores. Seven & i Holdings has been gradually expanding its wholesale fuel business in North America, with over 900 locations reported as of December 2025. Despite these closures, the overall footprint of 7-Eleven remains substantial, with more than 86,000 stores across 19 countries and over 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
The decision to close stores comes amid challenging economic conditions, with rising prices impacting consumer behavior. Inflation pressures have been particularly pronounced, affecting spending patterns among lower-income households. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, including the war involving Israel and Iran, have contributed to volatility in energy markets, resulting in increased gas prices.
In contrast to the North American closures, Seven & i's subsidiaries outside of North America, particularly in Japan, are experiencing growth. Seven-Eleven Japan expects to close 350 stores while opening 550 new locations, highlighting a differing trend in global operations.
The company is also navigating a leadership transition, with Stephen Hayes Dacus taking over as CEO last spring. Under his leadership, Seven & i is pursuing a transformation plan that includes enhancing fresh food offerings and expanding its delivery service, 7NOW. Financial projections indicate a projected revenue decline of 9.4% for the current fiscal year, totaling nearly 9.45 trillion yen.