7-Eleven to Close 444 Stores—What Could This Mean for Michigan?

If you're a fan of late-night Slurpee runs and last-minute snack dashes, brace yourself: According to KTLA, 7-Eleven just announced they're closing 444 stores across North America. That's right, one of Michigan's go-to spots for rotisserie-style taquitos and fountain drinks large enough to do laps in might be disappearing from a corner near you.

As reported by EatThisNotThat, the company, owned by Japan-based Seven & I Holdings, is slashing "underperforming locations" due to sluggish sales, inflation, and—get this—a dip in cigarette sales. Who knew fewer people buying smokes could impact your Funyun hookup?

What's Happening in Michigan?

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While cigarette sales have plummeted, 7-Eleven is investing in food because pizza and microwaved breakfast sandwiches are clearly the answer to all their problems and the way to Michiganders hearts.

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As of now, we don't know which Michigan stores, if any, are on the chopping block. No list of store closures has been released, and with 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, a 3% reduction may not seem like much, but when it's your local 7-Eleven, it's personal.

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Hopefully, 7-Eleven won't pull a Rite Aid and completely abandon Michigan. Where else can we buy an extremely small but expensive package of Q-Tips, a Red Bull, and laundry detergent at 2:30 a.m. when it's minus 20 degrees outside?

For now, in Michigan, we are waiting to see which stores will close. But one thing's for sure: if your 7-Eleven bites the dust, it might be time to invent a way to store Slurpees before your store becomes a Spirit Halloween.

The Past Lives of All 37 Michigan 'Spirit Halloween' Stores

They pop up overnight and take over recently or long abandoned storefronts in Michigan beginning in August: October retail giant "Spirit Halloween," the grim reaper of retail closures. Here's a look at what all 37 Michigan Spirit Halloween were like in their past lives before they became home to masks and fake cobwebs.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

7 Recent Bankruptcies With Devastating Impact on Michigan Retail

National retail and restaurant chains are feeling the pinch of the changing economy. Instore traffic has dropped as more and more consumers head online to make their purchases. Here's a look at seven businesses that have filed for bankruptcy protection and operate in Michigan, according to bankruptcy watchdog Intellizence. Their filings could have a devastating impact on the state's jobless rate and economy.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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