Hundreds of “underperforming” 7-Eleven stores across North America are closing, the convenience store announced Thursday.

Convenience-store chain 7-Eleven is closing hundreds of "underperforming" stores in North America, its Japanese-owner said.

The company cited slow sales, declining traffic, inflationary pressures, and a decrease in cigarette purchases among the reasons why some stores are closing.

Nearly 450 7-Eleven stores across North America are closing for underperforming, according to the company. Seven & I Holdings, 7-Eleven’s Japan-based parent company, announced in an earnings report Thursday that 444 7-Eleven stores are closing because of a dip in sales,