Signs of workforce disruption are emerging at 7-Eleven as the convenience-store giant advances a cost-focused transformation aimed at tightening expenses and improving execution.
In a statement to CSP on Thursday, 7-Eleven said it is “streamlining our organization” and aligning its operating model with strategic priorities to enable faster and more disciplined execution.
Seven & i Holdings Co., parent of 7-Eleven, said in an April 23 investor presentation, that its plan through 2030 is to sustain cost leadership by keeping operating, selling, general & administrative costs (OSG&A) growth below topline and gross profit growth.
“While this reorganization required the company to make difficult decisions, it also created opportunities for people to step into new roles,” 7-Eleven told CSP Thursday. “Throughout this process, our primary focus remains on our employees handling these transitions with the upmost respect and care.”
When asked whether part of this transformation included layoffs to its U.S. staff, the retailer did not respond by press time.
Signs of restructuring have begun to surface, with current and former employees posting on LinkedIn this week about departures after long tenures at the company.
Former 7-Eleven executive Lloyd M. Ruffle said in a LinkedIn post this week that he was seeing colleagues being informed it was their last day at the company.
“Lots of friends and former colleagues from 7-Eleven showing up today and finding out it’s their last day,” according to his LinkedIn page.
Ruffle worked for 7-Eleven from 2015-2021, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Lisa Carrasco, director of operations of the c-store chain, wrote on her LinkedIn page that “after 15 years with Brand 7-11, I am ready to explore new opportunities.” Kristy Weber-Gerardo, who spent nearly two decades with 7-Eleven posted on LinkedIn that “after 18 years with 7-Eleven (through various acquisitions), I am sharing that my time with the organization has come to a close.”
7-Eleven told CSP that the transformation is aimed to build a “stronger, more consistent and more competitive business, focused on delivering a seamless, high-quality customer experience across every touchpoint including value, quality fresh food and digital convenience.”
In its fiscal 2025 earnings documents reported April 9, the company said that in fiscal 2026 it expects to close 645 locations in North America, with some closures tied to conversions into wholesale fuel stores.
- 7-Eleven is No. 1 on CSP’s 2026 Top 40 update to the 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2026 Top 202 ranking in June.
Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven—known for its Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp brands—operates, franchises or licenses more than 13,000 stores in the United States and Canada. In addition to 7-Eleven, the company operates and franchises Speedway and Stripes c-stores and the Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits restaurant brands.
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