7-Eleven’s Big Bet: Japanese Roots Fuel U.S. Rebuild

What Leaders Are Doing

New CEO Stephen Dacus (an outsider to the Japanese retail world) has rolled out a bold revival plan. Over the next several years, the strategy includes expanding store count, tweaking store designs and product assortments, and leaning heavily on Japan’s “konbini” model—where convenience stores are mini-destinations, not just places to grab a snack.

A few key moves underway:

• Reworking U.S. stores to offer more fresh, ready-to-eat food and localized selections, borrowing from what the Japanese side does well.
• Accelerating store expansion in North America, pushing for more locations that align with neighborhood needs instead of just broad national templates.
• Adjusting the product mix away from gasoline and tobacco toward food, beverages, and items shoppers need daily.
• Enhancing efficiency in operations, supply chain, and merchandising based on data and what stores in Japan have shown works with consumers.

Konbini Culture Hits American Shelves

This shift is more than renovation — it’s reimagining convenience. If 7-Eleven can transfer the charm and hustle of Japanese konbini to U.S. neighborhoods, customers might stop by not just for convenience, but because something feels fresher, sharper, and more local.