Walgreens trims store footprint in several states as part of cost-cutting plan

Walgreens is continuing a multiyear effort to reduce costs by closing low-performing stores, but the pace has slowed since the company was taken private by Sycamore Partners. The original plan called for roughly 1,200 closures over three years, with 500 slated for 2025, yet the revised outlook expects under 100 closures in 2026. To date, more than a dozen outlets have been closed in states such as California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, Wisconsin, as well as two stores in Bergen County, New Jersey, and one in Brooklyn, New York.

Despite the reductions, Walgreens still operates about 8,500 pharmacies, remaining the nation’s second-largest chain. Customers of closed stores do not need to take action; their prescription data is accessible at any Walgreens, and they receive 90 days of complimentary delivery. The closures target sites with expiring leases, weak sales, or persistent theft issues. Walgreens has not responded to requests for comment.