Walgreens to Close 5 Stores on South and West Sides
Pharmacy Chain Cites Regulatory and Reimbursement Pressures
Walgreens will close five Chicago stores next month, part of the Deerfield-based pharmacy chain’s plan to shutter 1,200 locations by 2027.
Stores to Close
The Chicago locations are scheduled to close Feb. 17-27. They include:
- 7111 S. Western Ave. in West Englewood
- 4005 W. 26th St. in Little Village
- 9148 S. Commercial Ave. in South Chicago
- 3405 S. King Drive in Bronzeville
- 7109 S. Jeffery Blvd. in South Shore
Impact on Communities
The closing of these stores will have a significant impact on the communities they serve. Fourth Ward Ald. Lamont Robinson said the closing of the store at 3405 S. King Drive “is going to be devastating to the Bronzeville community, particularly our seniors who rely on it for their pharmacy. I’m saddened that Walgreens had decided to close this store after more than 50-plus years.”
Community Reaction
Robinson also expressed concern about the lack of investment in communities on the South and West sides. “We have to figure out a way to put profits aside and invest in communities on the South and West sides,” he said. “When Walgreens has stores across the city, they should be able to keep stores in predominantly African American communities on the South and West sides. That should be good business sense.”
Company Statement
A Walgreens spokesperson said in an emailed statement: “Our retail pharmacy business is central to our go-forward business strategy. However, increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures are weighing on our ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing and supply needs.”
Conclusion
The closing of these five Walgreens stores is a blow to the communities they serve. As the pharmacy chain continues to struggle, it is essential that they prioritize investing in the communities they serve and not abandon them.
FAQs
Q: Why is Walgreens closing these stores?
A: Walgreens is closing these stores due to increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures that are weighing on their ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing, and supply needs.
Q: Will Walgreens be moving workers to other locations?
A: Yes, Walgreens intends to move workers at the shuttered Chicago stores to other locations.
Q: What does this mean for the communities these stores serve?
A: The closing of these stores will have a significant impact on the communities they serve, particularly seniors who rely on them for their pharmacy needs. It is essential that the company prioritizes investing in these communities and not abandoning them.
