This is a sign 
“The North American economy remained robust overall thanks to the consumption of high-income earners, despite a persistently inflationary, elevated interest rate and deteriorating employment environment. In this context, there was a more prudent approach to consumption, particularly among middle- and low-income earners,” Seven & I said in an earnings release.
Anti trust maneuvering
https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/7-eleven-close-444-north-american-stores - Archive
The closures come amid a broader strategic shift for Tokyo-based 7 & i as it works to fend off a takeover bid by rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, the owner of Circle K. The deal would bring together the two largest c-store chains in the country.
Earlier this week, Couche-Tard raised its offer to acquire Seven & i from $14.86 per share, or approximately $39 billion, to $18.19 per share, or approximately $47.2 billion.
On Thursday, 7 & i announced that it is creating a separate company for its non-convenience-store businesses, such as supermarkets and specialty stores, so that it can focus more on c-stores. The spun-off company will be called York Holdings Co.
To further illustrate its c-store focus, 7 & i is also considering changing its name to 7-Eleven Corp.
the US has convenience stores?
Instead of markets it's jacked up carnival ride prices in low income areas. Though tbf their store brand since they bought a cubic ass ton of Speedway stores just a few years ago was a relative good value, and you could find more products without HFCS in them.
They often compete with ma and pop stores and Dollar Generals between the Walgreens and CVS'
but i thought there were no remotely walkable cities outside like NYC. where are all these 7s located?
like in every city i've been to around the world, a convenience store is something you walk to on the way to something else, or next to the train/subway station, or one minute from your home/job/school. it's not in a mall or a gas station