In a major shift for the convenience store sector, 7 Eleven has announced plans to close 645 locations across North America during fiscal 2026. This decision underscores the company’s ongoing struggle as it adapts to changing consumer preferences and declining sales in traditional categories.
The closures, which are part of a broader transition to a new food-focused store format, will take place from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. This marks a continuation of a trend where 7 Eleven has closed more stores than it has opened for five consecutive years, reflecting a significant re-evaluation of its business model.
In recent years, 7 Eleven has shuttered over 600 stores combined in 2024 and 2025, including 444 underperforming locations that represented about 3% of its North American base. The company is moving away from small, traditional shops, focusing instead on larger stores that prioritize fresh food offerings.
Sales of prepared foods have surged, with a reported 12% increase across the convenience store sector in just one year, prompting 7 Eleven to adapt its strategy accordingly. Stan Reynolds, a company spokesperson, noted that these food-forward stores are resonating with customers, driving average sales per store day approximately 18% higher than the system average.
Despite the closures, 7 Eleven plans to open more than 200 new locations in fiscal 2026, indicating a strategic pivot rather than a complete retreat from the market. However, the company faces challenges, including a significant decline in cigarette sales, which have dropped 26% since 2019, further impacting profits.
The company’s IPO has also been delayed by at least 11 months due to ongoing market uncertainties, adding another layer of complexity to its operational strategy. The closures are described by some analysts as part of a “portfolio optimization” strategy, aimed at cutting loose underperforming stores.
As 7 Eleven continues to navigate these changes, the future of its traditional convenience store model remains uncertain. The shift reflects a broader change across the convenience store industry, where traditional profit drivers such as tobacco and fuel are increasingly being supplemented or replaced by high-margin prepared foods.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact locations of the closures and how the transition will affect employees and local markets. As the company moves forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its performance and the effectiveness of its new strategy.
