Walgreens to Close Five South Side Chicago Stores, Leaving Communities in Pharmacy Deserts

Impacted Stores

• 7111 South Western Avenue (West Englewood)
• 4005 West 26th Street (Little Village)
• 9148 South Commercial Avenue (South Chicago)
• 3405 South King Drive (Lake Meadows)
• 7109 South Jeffery Boulevard (South Shore)

Reasons for Closure

The company attributed the closures to the costs of rent, staffing and supplies. “It’s never an easy decision to close a store,” a spokesperson said. “We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve, and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance.”

Community Reaction

The impacted South Side stores—on South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive, and South Jeffery Boulevard—have drawn strong reactions from local public officials.

In a joint statement, State Senator Robert Peters, State Representatives Kam Buckner and Curtis J. Tarver, and Aldermen Lamont Robinson, Desmon Yancy, and Peter Chico expressed frustration and concern:

“The closures at our South Commercial Avenue, South King Drive and South Jeffrey Boulevard Walgreens locations will be a devastating blow to our communities. Walgreens started in or near our districts in South Side Chicago at Cottage Grove and Bowen Avenue 124 years ago. For years, these stores have supported residents, providing access to medications, groceries and other essential services.

“Corporate chains like Walgreens have driven mom-and-pop pharmacies out of business, consolidating control over vital services in our neighborhoods. Now, as they abandon these communities, they are leaving behind pharmacy deserts that make it even harder for working families to access the care they need.

“Their actions are robbing our neighborhoods of essential resources while prioritizing profits over people. We will fight to hold these corporations accountable and ensure our communities are not left behind. The South Side deserves better.”

Company Response

Walgreens has pledged to “minimize customer disruption” and said it would try to relocate employees from affected stores.

Bigger Picture

The closures are part of a larger plan the company announced in October 2024 to shut down up to 1,200 “underperforming stores” by 2027, with 500 closures expected in fiscal year 2025. According to CNBC, about one-quarter of Walgreens’ 8,700 locations have been labeled “unprofitable.”

Conclusion

The closure of five Walgreens stores on the South Side of Chicago will leave communities without access to essential pharmacy services, exacerbating existing issues of healthcare disparities and limited access to care. The impact will be felt deeply, particularly by vulnerable populations who rely on these stores for their daily needs.

FAQs

Q: Why is Walgreens closing these stores?
A: The company cited the costs of rent, staffing, and supplies as the reason for the closures.

Q: What will happen to the employees?
A: Walgreens has pledged to try to relocate employees from affected stores.

Q: How many stores will Walgreens close in total?
A: The company plans to shut down up to 1,200 “underperforming stores” by 2027, with 500 closures expected in fiscal year 2025.

Q: What is the impact on the communities?
A: The closures will leave communities without access to essential pharmacy services, exacerbating existing issues of healthcare disparities and limited access to care.