7-Eleven to Close More Than 400 North American Convenience Stores, According to Reports

Irving, Texas — Global convenience store operator 7-Eleven will close more than 400 of its North American stores, according to reports from multiple news outlets including NPR and CBS News. Both news outlets noted that the announcement to shutter some 440 stores throughout the United States and Canada was delivered on Thursday, Oct. 10, during a conference call held by Seven & I Holdings, the Japan-based parent company of 7-Eleven. The company’s U.S. operations are headquartered in Irving, Texas. CBS states that the locations to be shuttered represent roughly 3 percent of 7-Eleven’s total North American portfolio, and NPR’s report cites “inflation pressures, slowed traffic, a decline in cigarette sales and a shift in consumer appetites” as the key drivers behind the decision. Regarding consumer appetites, 7-Eleven also said that it is focused on expanding its specialty food-and-beverage offerings throughout its remaining stores.