Ohioans could see fewer 7-Eleven stores over the next year as the convenience store chain plans widespread closures.
7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & i Holdings Inc., announced it will close 645 stores in North America during its 2026 fiscal year, which runs from March 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027, according to USA TODAY. Even as it trims its footprint, the convenience store chain plans to open 205 new locations.
Here’s what we know.
7-Eleven plans hundreds of closures. How many stores are in Ohio?
7-Eleven has 517 Ohio locations. The chain operates more than 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada, according to the company.
It is not yet known how many or which Ohio stores may close as 7-Eleven has not yet revealed which locations will shut down.
Why is 7-Eleven closing locations?
The company cited softer consumer spending and inflation as reasons behind the closure. In its earnings report, Seven & i Holdings said inflation has hit lower-income shoppers especially hard.
“In North America, although the economy remained robust, personal consumption also began to soften, particularly among low-income households, as inflation continued to weigh on spending,” the company said in its report.
According to Fast Company, the 645 stores are unlikely to close all at once. Instead, locations are expected to shut down individually throughout Seven & i Holdings’ 2026 fiscal year.
The publication also reported that some locations will not close entirely. In some cases, 7-Eleven may shutter the convenience store while continuing to operate the gas station at locations that have both.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 7-Eleven plans to close hundreds of stores. Is Ohio affected?
Reporting by Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
