Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is set to shutter numerous locations this year, as revealed in recent financial reports. The company’s North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the upcoming fiscal year, surpassing the 205 new openings projected during the same period.
Parent company Seven & i Holdings, based in Japan, stated that the closures will involve the transformation of certain stores into wholesale fuel outlets. Data indicates a consistent expansion of new wholesale fuel stores by 7-Eleven in North America, with over 900 such locations by December 2025.
Specific details or reasons for the closures were not immediately provided by the company. The total number of 7-Eleven stores worldwide currently exceeds 86,000, with the brand’s North American arm managing more than 13,000 outlets in the U.S. and Canada.
The company has historically closed a significant number of underperforming stores and is now facing the impact of global economic challenges, including rising consumer prices exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. The recent conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has led to increased fuel costs, adding to existing inflationary pressures.
Notably, Seven & i’s subsidiaries outside North America are on track to open more stores than they are closing. For instance, Seven-Eleven Japan plans to close 350 stores while opening 550 new locations, as indicated in financial filings.
Revenue projections for Seven & i indicate a 9.4% decline for the current fiscal year, amounting to nearly 9.45 trillion yen (approximately $81.95 billion Cdn). In response to these challenges, the company is pursuing growth opportunities and has outlined plans to enhance its convenience store offerings. Initiatives include investments in fresh food options and the expansion of their “7NOW” delivery service.
These strategic shifts coincide with a change in leadership, with Stephen Hayes Dacus assuming the role of CEO at Seven & i last spring.