7-Eleven Japan founder dies at 93, company faces new challenges

Seven & i Holdings has set out to shutter 645 North American 7-Eleven locations in fiscal 2026—triple the number of planned openings, which sits at just 205. The strategy marks a sharper retrenchment, part of an effort to streamline and pivot the brand toward more modern outlets. Should the closures proceed as outlined, 7-Eleven Inc. would end the year with 12,272 stores, a drop from the 12,712 reported in February.

Buc-ee’s is getting ready to shutter its Port Lavaca, Texas outpost—an unusual move for the travel-center brand. The location at 2318 W. Main St., marked as Store No. 12 on Buc-ee’s books, is slated for a revamp and will return under the 7-Eleven banner, this time with a Laredo Taco Company restaurant in tow. Local outlets report the revamped address will bring a third 7-Eleven to Port Lavaca.