Walgreens has confirmed the closure of 15 U.S. stores in 2026, part of a broader restructuring plan announced in 2024 to shutter 1,200 underperforming locations over three years. The closures reflect financial challenges tied to declining prescription reimbursement rates, reduced customer foot traffic, and increased competition from online pharmacies.
Which stores are closing?
The following locations have been confirmed for closure in 2026, according to business magazine Inc.:
- California: 1301 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Florida: 12041 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Illinois: 2351 E 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60649; 8628 S Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619; 5503 E State Street, Rockford, IL 61108; 108 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, IL 60015
- Missouri: 11404 St Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044; 2202 Chambers Road, St. Louis, MO 63136
- New York: 120 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- South Carolina: 1294 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902
- Texas: 1805 Greens Road, Houston, TX 77032
- Virginia: 1301 S Joyce Street, Suite D3, Arlington, VA 22202
- Washington: 2400 S Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98144
- Washington, D.C.: 1815 Connecticut Avenue NW
Walgreens has not publicly identified any Massachusetts locations slated for closure in 2026. However, the chain shuttered two Dorchester stores in 2025—585 Washington St. and 757 Gallivan Boulevard—along with locations in Cambridge, Easthampton, Fairhaven, Haverhill, Marlboro, Methuen, Norton, and West Springfield.
How are prescriptions affected?
Walgreens states that customers do not need to manually transfer prescriptions when a store closes. The company asserts that its nationwide pharmacy network retains access to prescription records, insurance details, and medication histories. Affected customers may:
- Refill prescriptions at another Walgreens location
- Change their pickup store via the Walgreens app or website
- Opt for prescription delivery services
For closures in Bergen County, New Jersey, prescriptions from the Bogota store will transfer to the Walgreens at 520 Cedar Lane in Teaneck, while prescriptions from the Dumont store will transfer to the Walgreens at 241 N. Washington Ave. in Bergenfield. Affected customers are also eligible for 90 days of free prescription delivery.
Why is Walgreens closing stores?
The closures align with a turnaround strategy announced in 2024, aimed at improving profitability by eliminating cash-flow-negative locations. Walgreens Global Chief Financial Officer Manmohan Mahajan stated last year that the company prioritizes closing stores that are "cash flow negative," underperforming, or where lease expirations are imminent.
The restructuring follows Walgreens’ acquisition by Sycamore Partners in 2025, which took the company private. Walgreens has indicated that fewer than 100 stores are expected to close in 2026, a reduction from the initial 1,200-store target over three years.
Industry-wide pressures are also contributing to the closures. Financial literacy instructor Alex Beene noted that the closures reflect a broader industry trend where national retailers are prioritizing profitability over maintaining extensive physical footprints. Beene attributed the shift to rising operational costs, shifting customer priorities, and increased competition from online pharmacies.
Impact on communities
Walgreens operates more than 8,500 stores nationwide. The closures may reduce access to prescription medications, vaccinations, and basic health services in some communities. Retail experts warn that the trend could exacerbate healthcare access challenges, particularly in underserved areas.
Walgreens has not yet responded to requests for comment on the 2026 closures.