RetailJapanese owner eyes profitability boost for US arm ahead of planned IPOMany U.S. 7-Eleven stores are in urban areas and have been hit by a decline in consumption among low- and middle-income groups. © APYOSHIHIRO HARAApril 23, 2026 05:03 JSTTOKYO -- Japan's Seven & i Holdings plans to shut 645 of its North American convenience stores by the end of February 2027 but also will boost investment in existing outlets by 50%, accelerating reforms to improve profitability.