Convenience retail major 7-Eleven is set to close hundreds of outlets across North America in 2026, as parent Seven & i Holdings moves ahead with a broad transformation of its store network.
The company plans to shut around 645 underperforming locations across the U.S. and Canada during the year, targeting stores impacted by declining footfall, inflationary pressure and shifting consumer spending patterns.
Despite the closures, the brand is not pulling back from the region. 7-Eleven continues to operate over 13,000 stores in North America and is expected to open 200+ new outlets within the same period, underlining a strategy focused on network optimisation rather than contraction.
A portion of the affected sites may be converted into fuel-only formats, while others will shut entirely. The shift is part of a wider pivot towards larger, food-forward stores, with an increased emphasis on fresh meals, beverages and upgraded in-store experience. Early performance from these formats has reportedly delivered stronger average sales compared to legacy convenience outlets.
Globally, 7-Eleven operates more than 85,000 stores across 19 countries, making it one of the largest retail franchise systems in the world. The network is predominantly franchise-led, with local partners and master franchisees driving expansion across Asia, the Middle East and other international markets.
From a franchise standpoint, the North America reset reflects a broader strategic shift. The company is phasing out low-performing units while investing in formats that offer better unit economics, stronger margins and improved customer engagement, key factors for franchisee sustainability. The restructuring also comes as Seven & i Holdings evaluates strategic options for its North American business, including a potential listing, with a focus on improving profitability and operational efficiency.
For the global franchise ecosystem, the move highlights a clear direction: growth is no longer about adding maximum locations, but about building fewer, more productive stores that can scale efficiently across markets.
