The convenience store chain 7-Eleven will be slightly less ubiquitous by the end of 2024.
The store inside Tysons Corner Center closed permanently on Sept. 23, a mall spokesperson recently confirmed to FFXnow. More closures may be coming in the weeks ahead, as 7-Eleven plans to shutter 444 “underperforming” locations across North America.
Multiple requests for comment to 7-Eleven didn’t receive a response by press time, so it’s unclear whether the Tysons store is counted among those closures. A full list of targeted stores hasn’t been released.
During an Oct. 10 earnings call led by parent company Seven & I Holdings, however, 7-Eleven president and CEO Joe DePinto cited inflation and increased costs of living as the main challenges facing the convenience store industry in the U.S.
The closures will account for 3% of the chain’s over 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, NPR and other media outlets reported.
The former 7-Eleven at Tysons Corner Center won’t stay vacant for long: Istanbul Kitchen anticipates reopening in the first-floor space across from Gap by Nov. 1, according to the mall spokesperson.
The Turkish restaurant, which arrived at the shopping center in 2021, closed its existing location next to Capital Musubi in the first-floor food court on Sept. 30 in advance of the move.
“We’re so grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to welcome you to our new home!” Istanbul Kitchen said when announcing the relocation on its website, adding that customers can expect to see “your favorite dishes, just as you love them” and “a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.”
Istanbul Kitchen’s relocation will make way for a brand-new tenant, Hey Tea, a chain of tea shops that began in Shenzhen, China, as Royal Tea in 2012. Known for creating cheese teas, the company says it aims to revive “ancient tea with a cool twist” and now has over 4,000 stores globally.
After opening its first U.S. store in New York City last December, Hey Tea has added more New York locations, along with ones in California and Washington. The Tysons Corner Center location appears to be the first one planned in the D.C. area.
Signs for the upcoming cafe have been erected, blocking off Istanbul Kitchen’s old space, but a Hey Tea spokesperson says an opening date is still being decided.
Store shufflings have become a common sight at Tysons Corner Center in recent months, particularly with Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and other stores moving away from the east end of the mall that’s now undergoing a renovation.
The cosmetics company Lush and coffee machine maker Nespresso are slated to open new locations this fall, and Banana Republic launched a redesigned, 10,130-square-foot store today (Wednesday) with plans for a grand re-opening celebration at 5:30-8:30 p.m. tomorrow.
“The store encourages shoppers to explore rooms with a curated selection of premium products that span clothing, accessories, and soft goods for home,” Banana Republic said in a press release. “The store will also offer a range of premier services designed to enhance the Banana Republic experience, including an in-house tailor, personal styling and a private dressing room space.”
The grand opening will include a preview of the fashion brand’s new collection and “beverages and light bites,” according to a promotional poster.
The mall is also gearing up for a holiday pop-up shop from Creative Collective that will open Oct. 25.
