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.
They just closed several in my city and have been trying to push the “its because of theft” angle which the media just absolutely loves. In my opinion they were looking for gov handouts and were going to close them anyway.
Reading this basically confirms my suspicions. They closed 711s in lower income areas not because of crime but because there are fewer and fewer people spending $5 on a soda or $25 on a pack of smokes. Who ever could guess why that might be ? Does my head in