7-Eleven will close 645 stores in 2026: these are the reasons
Seven & i Holdings will reorganize its network of 7-Eleven stores with closures, changes and new openings. We explain what you can expect from this plan
The parent company of 7-Eleven in the United States has a broad commercial strategy that includes the closure of stores, the transformation of some branches and the opening of new establishments. Busy months are coming for this self-service chain, which seeks greater profitability, adapting to customers' new consumption habits.
The company explained that 200 stores will stop operating due to poor financial performance. At the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year, 45 of these establishments had already lowered their curtains.
The plan also contemplates the conversion of 350 convenience stores into wholesale service stations, a model in which the establishments are no longer operated directly by the company and are put into the hands of independent operators. So far, 72 stores had already completed that transition.
Added to this is the conversion of 390 stores to the franchise system, of which 43 had already been transferred during the first quarter of the fiscal year.
As part of that strategy, the company will also remodel 200 stores during the current fiscal year. These works will begin in the second half of the year and are part of a broader project to modernize the chain's image.
According to corporate plans, the total number of 7-Eleven stores in the United States will increase from 12,712 establishments registered in February to 12,272 at the end of the fiscal year, which represents a net decrease of 440 branches. At the end of 2024, the company reported a total of 13,145 stores in the country.
7-Eleven's commitment to fresh food
Beyond reducing costs, the company also seeks to transform its customers' experience. In its results presentation it noted that it continues to invest in fresh food, store modernization and digital tools to strengthen its long-term growth.
The strategy is based on a concept of stores with larger kitchens and a greater range of prepared foods, in addition to strengthening home delivery services and digital platforms.
“These food-focused stores are being well-received by our customers and are driving average store-day sales 18% higher than our system average,” said Stan Reynolds, president of 7-Eleven, during the company's financial results conference call.
According to corporate documents, the company also plans to renovate more than 7,000 stores in North America with a new design, modernized equipment and an updated image, an initiative based on the “Evolution” store concept, originally introduced in 2019.
Meanwhile, the 7NOW delivery service continues to be another of the company's priorities. The platform allows you to order thousands of products 24 hours a day and has incorporated additional benefits for its subscribers, such as free deliveries, fuel discounts and exclusive promotions.