If you’ve driven around Hampton Roads recently, you may have noticed something odd: several familiar 7‑Eleven convenience store locations have shut their doors. This isn’t just local happenstance—the closures are part of a larger trend sweeping the region. Here’s what’s behind the change and what it means for you.

 A Nationwide Contraction with Local Impact

In October 2024, 7‑Eleven’s parent company, Seven & I Holdings, announced plans to shutter 444 under‑performing stores across North America, approximately 3% of its U.S. and Canada locations. The reasons cited include inflation, declining store traffic, slumping cigarette sales, and a push to reinvest in high-performing stores and fresh food offerings https://www.whsv.com+13WHRO Public Media+13Reddit+13.

While the company hasn’t released a list of affected stores, Hampton Roads has clearly felt the impact. Locally:

• The 7‑Eleven at 715 Kecoughtan Rd, Hampton is now marked permanently closed by both Yelp and MapQuest.

• Another store at 3800 Shell Rd, Hampton also shows as permanently closed on MapQuest.

• Several other nearby locations have received “temporarily closed” or “enhanced sanitation” notices—which may indicate possible staff shortages or other ongoing issues.

 What’s Behind the Closures?

Customers in Portsmouth have noted that some closures were blamed on staff shortages, with one local observing, “they didn’t have anyone to work…” Facebook. Combine that with broader trends:

• A sharp 7.3% decline in foot traffic reported in August 2024

• Cigarette sales dropped by 26% since 2019—formerly a high-volume category for convenience stores (OKKK PERIOD!) 

• Rising cost pressures from inflation and changing consumer habits

These factors have made some locations unsustainable, particularly smaller neighborhood stores.

What Does This Mean for Hampton Roads Shoppers?

• Reduced convenience – fewer 24/7 stores in certain neighborhoods.

• More traffic at remaining locations like Suffolk’s store at 6496 Hampton Roads Pkwy, which remains open 7-Eleven.

• An opportunity for competitors to step in, including local minimarts and other chains.

What to Watch Next

• Will 7‑Eleven reopen any of the “temporarily closed” sites after staffing stabilizes?

• Will local stores, expand to meet community needs as 7‑Eleven pulls back?

• How will neighborhood habits shift—will drivers adjust their routes, or turn to other brands?

Bottom Line

What’s happening in Hampton Roads reflects a larger strategic shift by 7‑Eleven: pruning under‑performing stores and refocusing on core operations. For residents, that means fewer convenient options—but potentially better service at the surviving locations.

If there's a 7‑Eleven you relied on that’s now gone, drop a comment with its address—I’d love to keep tabs on which ones remain open and how the chain’s footprint is changing here at home.