7-Eleven Plans to Close 645 Stores in North America in 2026

7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores across North America in 2026, surpassing the 205 new stores it expects to open that year, according to earnings filings reported by Global News Canada. This move reflects a major restructuring effort within the company’s North American operations aimed at addressing declining customer traffic.

The closures represent approximately 5% of 7-Eleven's current store footprint, as confirmed by Fast Company, which notes that the decision is part of cost-cutting measures ahead of a delayed U.S. initial public offering by its parent company, Seven & i Holdings. Similar store reductions are also planned internationally in markets such as Japan, China, and Australia as the company adjusts to shifting global economic conditions and rising fuel prices.

Fox Business explains that some of the locations slated for closure will be converted into wholesale fuel sites, aligning with the company’s strategy to streamline its operations and focus more sharply on core convenience store services. Meanwhile, TheStreet highlights that 7-Eleven is repositioning itself away from a business model centered on fuel and tobacco, pivoting toward enhanced food and grocery offerings with updated store formats emphasizing prepared foods and beverages.

Earlier closures totaling around 600 stores occurred in 2024 and 2025 as part of this ongoing portfolio optimization to adapt to evolving consumer habits, TheStreet adds. The company's strategic changes indicate a broader shift in priorities from legacy product categories to new formats designed to drive profitability in a competitive market environment.

Industry watchers will be closely observing the impact of these store closures and conversions on 7-Eleven’s financial performance and market share in North America, particularly how the company’s refocused offerings and international adjustments play out amid continued fluctuations in fuel prices and consumer behavior.