Walgreens pharmacy

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Kate Nalepinski

By Kate Nalepinski

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Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, is continuing a significant downsizing effort with the closure of dozens of its retail stores across the country this month.

Locations in at least 13 states are affected, with some stores already shuttered and others set to close in the coming weeks.

Why It Matters

Walgreens operates over 8,500 stores in the U.S., serving as an access point for prescriptions, vaccinations and basic health care services. The closures could reduce access to services for some consumers.

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Walgreens pharmacy

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But prescription customers of affected stores are encouraged to change their primary prescription pickup location, per Walgreens. Some may be eligible for at-home delivery.

The decision to shut down locations generally signals the ongoing challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Why Is Walgreens Closing Stores?

The pharmacy chain last year announced it would shutter 1,200 stores across the country over the next three years, with some 500 of those set for 2025.

In March, parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance announced that it had entered an agreement to be acquired by retail-focused private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10 billion.

In a 2024 earnings call, Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said the closures were aimed at "unprofitable" stores, helping the company improve its profitable locations.

Walgreens reported a net loss in excess of $3 billion for the final quarter of 2024.

The reduction by Walgreens arrives as numerous retailers are also experiencing store closures, like fellow pharmacy chain Rite Aid.

Which Walgreens Locations Are Closing in May?

Newsweek confirmed via the Walgreens website that several stores will close this month. These include:

California:

Colorado:

Connecticut:

Florida:

Georgia:

Indiana:

Maryland:

Massachusetts:

New Jersey:

New York:

North Carolina:

Pennsylvania:

Texas:

Additional stores in some of the above states are expected to close their doors in June.

What's Next

Walgreens has not ruled out additional closures beyond the summer. Shoppers should prepare for potential closings in May and June.

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