7-Eleven details store closures and franchise expansion in North America
Retailer plans to close 200 underperforming sites and convert 350 locations to wholesale as part of a broader network optimization strategy.
7-Eleven has provided new details on its North American network optimization plan, outlining how it intends to remove 645 stores from its convenience retail footprint during fiscal 2026 while continuing to invest in new locations and store upgrades.
During its first-quarter earnings presentation, parent company Seven & i Holdings said 7-Eleven plans to close 200 underperforming stores and convert 350 locations to wholesale operations this fiscal year. The remaining 95 sites are expected to leave the network due to franchise terminations and other contractual circumstances.
The retailer has already made progress on the plan, converting 43 company-operated stores to franchise locations and 72 sites to wholesale during the first quarter. It also closed 45 stores and opened 30 new locations during the period.
Franchising remains a key element of the company’s strategy. 7-Eleven expects to convert 390 company-owned stores to franchise operations during fiscal 2026 as part of a broader goal to shift approximately 2,600 locations to franchise ownership by 2030. The company said this would result in a franchise ratio of about 80% across its North American network.
Despite the planned closures, 7-Eleven continues to pursue new growth opportunities. The retailer reaffirmed its target of opening 205 new stores during fiscal 2026 and has already launched 20 of the 50 quick-service restaurants planned for the year.
The company is also moving forward with a large-scale modernization program announced earlier this year. Remodeling work covering more than 7,000 stores across North America is expected to begin during the second half of the current fiscal year.
