Convenience store giant 7-Eleven plans to close hundreds of locations across North America as part of broader strategy to overhaul its business model and focus more heavily on food sales.
The company's parent, Seven & i Holdings, said in its fiscal Q4 earnings call it expects to shutter 645 stores during its 2026 fiscal year, which runs from March through February 2027. The closures will primarily target underperforming locations, and some stores will be converted into fuel-only sites rather than full convenience stores.
The company plans to open about 205 new stores in North America during the same period, but an expansion blitz is brewing in 2027 with more than 500 new stores. The overall store count is expected to fall to roughly 12,000 locations, down from 13,000 in recent years.
New stores will offer a "food-forward" model, meaning more prepared meals and beverage options and an upgraded store experience.
The company said it envisions the new model competing with other fast-casual restaurants and grocery stores, and locations that have already upgraded are already seeing success.
"These food-forward stores are resonating with our customers and driving [average sales per store day] about 18% higher than our system average," 7-Eleven president Stan Reynolds said during the earnings call.
Seven & i Holdings has not released a list of specific locations slated for closure and it remains unclear how many stores in Austin - and Texas - could be affected.
Related Reading
Austin startup Icon looks to bring its construction technologies to space
The best week to sell your home in Austin is April 12-18, report says
Austin proposes overhaul of affordable housing building program
Subscribe
Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source.Read this story on statesman.com
