US gas station chain closing 600 locations as it shifts strategy

Business & Finance
14 Apr 2026 • 9:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

US gas station chain closing 600 locations as it shifts strategy

  • 7-Eleven is reportedly closing over 600 stores across North America this year as part of a multi-year business restructuring.
  • This follows the closure of 700 locations in 2024 and 2025, with parent company Seven & i Holdings aiming to improve finances before a planned 2027 initial public offering.
  • The company is shifting its strategy from small, traditional shops to larger stores that prioritize fresh food and a wider variety of drinks, reflecting a broader industry trend.
  • Some sites scheduled for closure will be converted into “wholesale fuel stores” rather than being shut down completely.
  • Analysts suggest 7-Eleven is undergoing a complete overhaul, moving towards a hybrid model combining convenience, grocery, and fast-food, prioritizing store quality and design over sheer number of locations.

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