7-Eleven has closed its entire store network in India, ending its five-year partnership with Reliance Retail as traditional retailers and quick-commerce platforms put growing pressure on convenience operators.

The 31 stores across Mumbai and Pune closed on September 30. Reliance operated the outlets under a master franchise agreement signed with Seven & I Holdings in 2021.

According to Nikkei Asia, the partnership once reached about 60 stores, but failed to achieve the scale needed to build a profitable business. 7-Eleven was competing against India’s deeply established kirana stores, while rapid-delivery platforms have made groceries and everyday essentials available to shoppers within minutes.

Seven & I also said that it would continue to explore options to develop its presence in India over the long term.

The exit comes as Seven & I looks to expand its international convenience business while navigating a challenging economic environment. The company lifted first-quarter operating profit 61 per cent to 105 billion yen (US$662 million), helped by stronger US fuel margins and a weaker yen, and raised its full-year operating profit forecast to 425 billion yen.

Meanwhile, rival Japanese operator Lawson is taking a different approach to India. It plans to open its first store in Mumbai next year and build a network of 100 outlets by 2030.