NEW YORK (AP) — Convenience chain 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its locations this year.

According to earnings filings published last week, 7-Eleven’s North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year — outpacing the 205 locations it forecasts it will open during that same time.

Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japan-based parent of the convenience chain, noted that these closures “include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores.” Financial documents show that 7-Eleven Inc. has steadily opened new wholesale fuel stores in North America over recent years, which accounted for more than 900 locations as of December 2025.

The company did not immediately explain the closures or specify which locations could be impacted. The Associated Press reached out for further information.

According to the company’s website, there are over 86,000 7-Eleven stores across 19 countries today. 7-Eleven Inc., the brand’s North American operator based in Texas, oversees more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

The convenience giant has closed hundreds of underperforming locations over the years, and the latest cuts arrive as higher prices strain consumers worldwide. The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran has especially rattled energy markets, with drivers now facing soaring gas prices.

Consumers were facing stubborn inflation even before the war. In North America specifically, Seven & i noted in its April 9 report, “although the economy remained robust, personal consumption also began to soften” for the 2025 fiscal year — “particularly among low-income households, as inflation continued to weigh on spending.”

Openings for Seven & i subsidiaries outside of North America are set to outpace the stores they’re closing — including Seven-Eleven Japan, which expects to close 350 stores and open 550 locations, per financial filings.

Seven & i expects its revenue to fall 9.4% for the current fiscal year, totaling a projected nearly 9.45 trillion yen (about $59.5 billion).

The company has been looking for new opportunities for growth, and last year outlined a wider transformation plan aimed at boosting its convenience store offerings. Among goals, Seven & i has said it would invest in more fresh food offerings and expand its “7NOW” delivery service.

The changes also arrive under new leadership. Stephen Hayes Dacus became Seven & i’s CEO last spring.

“I just restocked my fridge and freezer, for it all to be turned off again”

Residents living in Deansgate’s West Tower have said they are ‘so angry’ after being told the electricity in the plush tower block will go off AGAIN this week.

The plush 44-storey West Tower, which is part of the Renaker development along Deansgate and offers penthouse homes worth over £2m, first suffered a power cut last Wednesday evening (April 8). The electrics went off in the apartments, leaving no hot water and no way to use any facilities in each home. The management team first sought to reassure residents that works were ongoing to rectify the problem, before emails the following day told residents it would likely not be resolved until Monday.

Some residents stayed in budget-friendly hotels over the weekend. The outage left hundreds with the options of either staying in their apartments, which can also rake in anything between £1,400 and £15,000 per month, or moving into hotels with an offer of £120-per night and £40-per-day food reimbursements.

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The plush block is known to be home to several high profile residents – including Premier League footballers and social media influencers. The original email from The Residences also suggested a number of budget hotels residents could consider, including Motel One, Premier Inn or Romzzz Aparthotels which are ‘well within the £120 budget’.

The Manchester Evening News reported last week that the cause of the power outage was identified as a ‘fault with the busbar within the Deansgate Square site’. A busbar acts as a central connection point which conducts and distributes electricity in industrial, commercial and residential systems.

However an update email sent from The Residences to West Tower tenants on Sunday (April 12) it was confirmed that a temporary source of power had been found to restore electricity to apartments. Residents were able to return home one day ahead of schedule, with works ongoing to restore a permanent source of power.

They were also told that work was ongoing to organise reimbursements for food and drink costs incurred during the outage, but also that the cost of itemised items that had spoiled in fridges and freezers would be covered.

Those living in the block have now told the M.E.N they are ‘so angry’ after being informed by the management company that power is due to be turned off for eight hours on Thursday (April 16). This is for the power supply to be fully transferred from the alternative power source back to the original national energy infrastructure.

The planned power outage for all apartments is expected to take place for eight hours between 10am and 6pm, when electricity is expected to be fully restored. Essential parts of the infrastructure, like alarms and lifts, will remain functional.

“I’m so angry having just restocked my fridge and freezer, for it all to be turned off again,” one resident said. “We weren’t told that it would be switched off again and one day of notice is shocking.”

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Residents have been urged to heat water in water boilers before the outage so a sufficient supply lasts. Coworking spaces with power will remain open in communal areas along with hot drinks and shared cooking facilities.

An email sent to those residing in the tower block read: “We are preparing to transfer West Tower’s power supply from the alternative power source back to the national energy infrastructure. To complete these essential works we will need to temporarily switch off electricity to all apartments to complete these works.

“These works are scheduled for Thursday 16th April 2026, with a planned power outage for all apartments between 10:00AM and 6:00PM. Power is estimated to be returned by 6:00PM to all West Tower apartments. During this period, the lifts and life safety systems (fire alarm system, smoke vents, sprinklers) in the building will remain fully operational.

“Please ensure that all electrical and portable appliances, such as hairdryers and straighteners, are unplugged before the outage begins. If you will not be returning to your apartment prior to Thursday please let us know so we can assist in unplugging appliances.

“A member our team may need to enter your apartment towards to the end of the reinstatement works to complete a safety check. Please take this as formal notice that emergency access may be required to any apartment within the building to carry out electrical safety checks.”

It continued: “Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these necessary works to restore West Tower back to the national energy infrastructure. We sincerely apologise for the disruption and appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to restore permanent power.”

Casemiro made a bold declaration upon joining Manchester United

Casemiro is poised to depart Manchester United this summer, having fulfilled a pledge he made more than three years ago.

The ex-Real Madrid star reportedly messaged his agent in 2022, vowing to address the team’s issues following the dreadful defeat at Brentford under Erik ten Hag early in the 2022/23 season. As he prepares to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires, United are close to securing a return to Europe’s elite competition, despite Monday night’s home defeat to Leeds.

Following a challenging period at the Theatre of Dreams, Casemiro’s purple patch for United has arrived at an opportune moment, with vital contributions keeping their European ambitions alive. He also scored the goal as 10-man United chased a point against Leeds.

A Telegraph report from early 2023 revealed that United’s poor start to that campaign, including losses to Brighton and Brentford, spurred the five-time Champions League winner to swap Madrid for Manchester.

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The Brazil international finalised a £70million summer switch to the Premier League, bringing an end to his trophy-laden stint at Los Blancos. Casemiro’s time in the Spanish capital concluded after Real signed of Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco.

Following a dismal 4-0 loss to the Bees, the then-30-year-old is said to have messaged his agent: “Tell them I’ll fix this.”

Casemiro’s journey during his four-year spell at United has been anything but straightforward, with him facing criticism from the likes of Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

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The former Liverpool defender, in particular, delivered a damning assessment of the Brazilian’s stint at Old Trafford, calling for Casemiro to quit the Premier League. However, this season’s performances have forced Carragher to backtrack and acknowledge the midfielder had silenced his doubters.

Confirming his impending exit, he said: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life. From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

In a recent question and answer session with the club, he added: “The affection they have for the club is what I will miss most. Of course, the club, but the fans are so connected to the club regardless of the result.

“Next game, they will be there supporting the players and the club, that is what I will miss most.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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