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7‑Eleven to Close 645 U.S. Stores in 2026 as It Shifts to Larger, Food‑Led Formats

The company is betting on higher‑selling, food‑centric stores to strengthen results before a planned 2027 IPO.

Overview

  • Fiscal guidance sets 645 U.S. closures in 2026 with 205 planned openings, and some sites moving to wholesale fuel operations not counted in store totals.
  • Leaders describe the cuts as portfolio optimization that trims underperformers affected by falling cigarette sales, weaker foot traffic and persistent inflation.
  • 7‑Eleven is rolling out larger, food‑forward designs that its president says deliver about 18% higher average daily sales per store.
  • The chain closed more than 600 locations in 2024 and 2025, including nearly 450 in North America, as it reshaped the network.
  • U.S. menus will add internationally inspired items such as milk bread, egg sandwiches and miso ramen to push more prepared‑food sales.