7-Eleven has shut all its remaining stores in India, bringing the convenience-store chain’s five-year run in the country to an end. The 31 outlets in Mumbai and Pune, operated by Reliance Retail, closed on September 30 amid growing competition in the convenience retail market.
The closure marks a setback for the American convenience-store brand, which entered India in October 2021 through a master franchise agreement with Seven & i Holdings, its Japanese parent company, and Reliance Retail.
“We confirm that our Master Franchisee, Reliance, which operates 7-Eleven stores in Mumbai and Pune, closed all 31 stores on September 30," a Seven & i Holdings spokesperson said in a statement.
The company, however, has indicated that it has not given up on the Indian market entirely.
From expansion to store closures
7-Eleven opened its first Indian outlet in Mumbai in 2021 and gradually expanded its footprint to around 60 stores at its peak. Its presence later shrank, leaving 31 outlets operating across Mumbai and Pune before the final closures.
Seven & i Holdings said its “aspiration to serve customers in India remains". The company added that it would explore options to build its presence in the country over the long term, though it has not announced a new partner or outlined a fresh expansion plan.
Quick commerce adds to retail competition
Although Seven & i Holdings has not publicly identified a single reason for the exit, reports have pointed to competition from local retailers and the rapid growth of quick-commerce platforms.
Services offering groceries, snacks, beverages and household essentials within minutes have changed how consumers buy everyday products. This has created additional pressure on physical convenience stores competing for the same customers.
The financial performance of 7-India Convenience Retail also reflected the challenges. According to financial information reported by Entrepreneur India, the Reliance Retail venture recorded revenue of around Rs 92 crore and a net loss of nearly Rs 90 crore in the financial year ended March 2026.
Another Japanese retailer eyes India
Even as 7-Eleven exits, Japanese convenience-store operator Lawson is reportedly preparing to enter India. The company is planning to open its first Indian store in Mumbai in 2027, with an ambition to build a network of around 100 stores by 2030.
For now, 7-Eleven's Indian operations have come to a halt, although its parent company has left open the possibility of a future return.