The convenience-store industry in the U.S. is poised for significant consolidation, with analysts predicting increased mergers and acquisitions in the coming years. The focus is particularly on 7-Eleven, the largest convenience store chain, which is currently being pursued by Couche-Tard, a Canadian company. Despite the potential merger, the market remains fragmented, with the top ten chains holding less than 20% of the market share, while approximately 60% of U.S. convenience stores are independently operated. Even if 7-Eleven and Couche-Tard were to merge, they would only control about 12% of the market. However, regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is expected to challenge such a merger. Additionally, Big Lots is also undergoing changes, closing ten stores as part of a bankruptcy-related portfolio optimization, with 208,000 square feet of leases becoming available.