Several Walgreens retail pharmacy locations in Southern California are set to close permanently in late March, the company has confirmed.
The affected stores include locations in Whittier, Los Angeles, Orange, Placentia, and Stanton. According to Walgreens, the decision to shutter these stores stems from mounting financial challenges, including regulatory and reimbursement pressures that have made it difficult to sustain rent, staffing, and supply costs.
“When store closures are necessary, as seen here in California, we aim to collaborate with local stakeholders to minimize disruptions for our customers,” Walgreens said in a statement.
The upcoming closures in Southern California follow similar actions in San Francisco, where a dozen Walgreens locations are expected to shut down later this month due to the same financial constraints.
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This move is part of a larger company strategy known as the “footprint optimization program,” which was introduced last year with plans to close approximately 1,200 stores over three years. Walgreens has projected that around 500 locations will shut down in fiscal year 2025.
During the company’s recent earnings call, CEO Tim Wentworth emphasized the importance of restructuring the retail pharmacy business as part of Walgreens’ turnaround efforts. He highlighted that stores remaining open have demonstrated stronger sales performance compared to those slated for closure.
Despite the store closures, Walgreens remains focused on long-term growth and improving its customer engagement strategies. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Walgreens Boots Alliance reported total sales of $39.46 billion but posted a net loss of $265 million, or 31 cents per share.
As the company continues to adjust its operations, executives believe a smaller retail footprint will ultimately strengthen Walgreens’ financial stability and long-term sustainability.
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