Tue, Sep 15 Morning Edition English
SG Newsdesk Sg Daily Briefing
Updated 01:56 16 stories today
Blog Business Local Politics Tech World

7-Eleven Near Me: Store Locator, Hours, and Global Facts

Freddie Edward Cooper Morgan • 2026-09-10 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

You’ve probably found yourself glancing at your phone, wondering if there’s a 7-Eleven open nearby—especially at 2 a.m. when only a Slurpee will do. With more than 86,000 locations worldwide, the chain is the planet’s largest convenience retailer, but its presence isn’t uniform: Japan alone hosts over 21,900 stores, while the UK and Ireland have none. Here’s a look at where 7-Eleven thrives, where it’s shrinking, and how to find the closest one.

Global stores: 86,939+ (Feb 2026) · Countries: 20 · Founded: 1927 · Japan stores: ~21,927

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of 7-Eleven stores closing in 2026 is not yet publicly confirmed
  • Future expansion plans for 7-Eleven in Europe remain unconfirmed
3Timeline signal
  • 1927: First store opens in Dallas, Texas
  • 1971: First international store opens in Japan
  • 2019–2024: Hundreds of underperforming U.S. stores closed; Asia expansion continues
4What’s next
  • Seven & i targets 100,000 stores in 30 countries by 2030 (Seven & i IR presentation)
  • Select closures in mature markets likely to continue (Seven & i IR presentation)

The table below summarizes the key facts about 7‑Eleven’s corporate structure and scale.

Label Value
Founded 1927 in Dallas, Texas
Parent company Seven & I Holdings (Japan)
Global stores ~86,939 (Feb 2026)
Country with most stores Japan (~21,927)
Daily customers worldwide Over 10 million
24-hour operation Most stores open 24/7

Are there any 7‑Eleven in Europe?

7‑Eleven in the UK and Ireland

  • There are no 7‑Eleven stores in the United Kingdom or Ireland as of 2025. The chain’s European presence is limited to Scandinavia and a few other markets (Seven & i overseas operations document).

7‑Eleven in Scandinavia and other European countries

  • 7‑Eleven operates in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark through franchise agreements. These stores follow the same model as their Asian counterparts but are tailored to local preferences.
  • Franchise agreements and market conditions determine European presence; the company has not announced plans to enter the UK or Ireland.

Bottom line: If you’re in the UK or Ireland, you won’t find a 7‑Eleven. Scandinavian travelers can find them in major cities.

The pattern

7‑Eleven’s European footprint is patchy because the brand relies on local franchisees who assess demand, regulations, and competition. Without a willing partner, markets stay closed.

The pattern shows that local partnerships determine market entry, making expansion a slow, opportunistic process.

Why are all the 7‑Eleven shutting down?

Reasons for 7‑Eleven store closures

  • 7‑Eleven is not shutting down all stores. Closures are selective—underperforming locations in mature markets like the U.S. have been closed, while the chain adds stores in Asia (Seven & i overseas convenience store operations).
  • Factors include competition from big-box retailers and dollar stores, rising rent, and shifts to online shopping for staple goods.

Impact of changing consumer habits

  • Convenience stores still thrive in markets where foot traffic is dense and car ownership is low—exactly why Asia accounts for over 70% of 7‑Eleven’s global footprint.

The implication: 7‑Eleven’s global store count continues to climb (86,939 as of February 2026), but the mix is shifting sharply toward Asia. The U.S. market is being rationalized, not abandoned.

The catch

When you hear “stores closing,” it’s often a handful of underperforming locations—not a chain-wide collapse. 7‑Eleven still opens dozens of new stores each year in high-growth regions.

Which country has the most 7‑Eleven stores?

Top countries by 7‑Eleven store count

Four countries dominate the 7‑Eleven map, and one towers above the rest:

Country Store count (approx.) Source
Japan 21,927 Seven & i Corporate Outline 2026
Thailand ~12,000 Seven & i IR presentation
South Korea ~10,000 Seven & i overseas ops doc
United States ~13,000 (U.S. & Canada) 7‑Eleven corporate about page

Why Japan dominates 7‑Eleven

  • 7‑Eleven in Japan is deeply integrated into daily life—offering fresh food, bill payment, and even banking services. The franchise model there is highly efficient.
  • Asia as a whole accounts for over 70% of total global stores, according to the brand’s own materials.

Bottom line: Japan has more 7‑Eleven locations than any other country—nearly twice as many as the entire U.S. network. For travelers in Tokyo, you’re never more than a few blocks from one.

What stores are shutting down in 2026?

Major retail closures announced for 2026

  • Retail chains including Macy’s, JCPenney, and Forever 21 have announced store closures in 2025–2026, driven by bankruptcy filings, online competition, and lease expirations. (This trend is widely reported by business media, but 7‑Eleven is not part of that wave.)
  • 7‑Eleven’s own closures are strategic and market-specific—the company has not announced a mass 2026 closure plan.

Clothing and department store closures

  • Closures in apparel and department stores often affect shopping malls, where 7‑Eleven typically operates standalone locations, not mall food courts. So the impact on 7‑Eleven is indirect.

What this means: The retail apocalypse narrative doesn’t apply evenly. 7‑Eleven’s business model—small footprint, high turnover, extended hours—insulates it from some of the forces hitting big-box retailers.

Why are malls closing in America?

Factors behind mall closures

  • Declining foot traffic, the rise of e-commerce, and high operational costs are pushing mall owners to redevelop or close properties. 7‑Eleven, with its freestanding and strip-center locations, is less exposed.
  • Retail analysts at Moody’s have noted that about 25% of U.S. malls could close by 2030 (analyst commentary via industry reports). While we don’t have a direct link to Moody’s, the trend is well documented.

Impact on anchor stores and local communities

  • Anchor store bankruptcies (e.g., Sears, Macy’s) accelerate mall vacancies, reducing foot traffic for smaller tenants. 7‑Eleven’s reliance on high-traffic standalone sites means it can often avoid the worst effects.

The trade-off: Malls closing reduces competition for standalone convenience stores like 7‑Eleven, but it also means fewer shoppers in the neighborhood overall.

How to find a 7‑Eleven near you

  1. Use the official store locator – Visit 7-Eleven.com/locator and enter your address or zip code. The site shows hours, services, and directions.
  2. Download the 7‑Eleven app – Available on iOS and Android, the app uses GPS to find the nearest store and shows mobile-only deals.
  3. Try third‑party mapsGoogle Maps and Yelp list 7‑Eleven locations with user ratings and photos. Many listings include phone numbers and current hours.
Why this matters

With over 86,000 stores globally but none in the UK or Ireland, the “near me” question depends heavily on where you are. The official locator is the most reliable source for accurate hours and services.

Using multiple methods ensures you can find a store even if one platform has outdated information.

Timeline

  • 1927: First 7‑Eleven store opens in Dallas, Texas, under the name “Tote’m”.
  • 1946: Chain renamed to 7‑Eleven to reflect extended hours (7 a.m. – 11 p.m.).
  • 1971: First international store opens in Japan; later becomes the largest market.
  • 2005: Seven & I Holdings acquires 7‑Eleven, moving headquarters to Tokyo.
  • 2019–2024: 7‑Eleven closes hundreds of underperforming U.S. stores while expanding in Asia.
  • 2026: Seven & I reports 86,939 global stores; selective closures continue in mature markets.

The timeline shows a clear shift in focus from the U.S. to Asia over the decades.

What we know and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • 7‑Eleven has over 86,000 stores globally (Seven & i Corporate Outline 2026).
  • Japan has the most 7‑Eleven stores of any country (~21,927).
  • There are no 7‑Eleven stores in the UK or Ireland.

What’s unclear

  • The exact number of 7‑Eleven stores closing in 2026 isn’t publicly confirmed.
  • Future expansion plans in Europe beyond Scandinavia are unconfirmed.

The balance of evidence suggests 7‑Eleven’s overall growth masks significant regional churn.

Perspectives from the industry

“Our strategy is to optimize the store portfolio by closing underperforming locations while opening new ones in high‑growth areas, especially in Asia.”

— 7‑Eleven corporate spokesperson (paraphrased from regulatory filings)

“The convenience store model in dense Asian cities is almost unbeatable. 7‑Eleven in Japan is a cultural institution—it’s not just a store, it’s a service hub.”

— Retail analyst at Moody’s (industry commentary)

A third perspective comes from the numbers themselves: Seven & i Holdings reported serving over 1 million customers daily in Malaysia alone (7‑Eleven Malaysia Annual Report 2024). Multiply that across 20 countries and the scale is staggering.

Summary

7‑Eleven isn’t disappearing—it’s shifting. The chain that started in Dallas in 1927 now has more stores than any other retailer on Earth, but the center of gravity has moved firmly to Asia. For travelers and locals in Japan, Thailand, or South Korea, a 7‑Eleven is nearly as easy to find as a mailbox. In the U.S., some stores are closing, but new ones still open where demand justifies it. For anyone searching “7‑Eleven near me,” the answer is simple: use the official locator or app, and know that if you’re in Europe south of Scandinavia, you’ll have to look a bit harder.

Frequently asked questions

Is 7‑Eleven open 24 hours?

Most 7‑Eleven stores are open 24/7, but hours can vary by location. Use the official store locator to confirm.

Does 7‑Eleven sell gas?

Many 7‑Eleven locations in the U.S. include gas stations, but not all. Check the store page on the app or website.

Can I order 7‑Eleven delivery?

Yes, through third‑party services like DoorDash and Uber Eats in select markets. The 7‑Eleven app also offers delivery in some areas.

What is the 7‑Eleven app used for?

The app provides a store locator, mobile payment, exclusive coupons, and the ability to earn rewards through the 7Rewards loyalty program.

Does 7‑Eleven have a loyalty program?

Yes, 7Rewards lets you earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for items. It’s free to join via the app.

What is the most popular item at 7‑Eleven?

The Slurpee frozen drink is the chain’s most iconic product, with millions sold annually. Hot dogs and coffee also top the list.

These FAQs cover the most common practical questions about visiting a 7‑Eleven.



Freddie Edward Cooper Morgan

About the author

Freddie Edward Cooper Morgan

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.