News Summary

Walgreens has announced the closure of nine locations across Massachusetts as part of a strategy to reduce costs and improve profitability. The stores will close between May 19 and June 26, 2025, amid plans to shutter approximately 1,200 underperforming locations nationwide over the next three years. Customers will be notified, and their prescriptions will be transferred to nearby stores. This decision signifies the challenges facing retail pharmacies in adapting to market changes and competition from online providers.

Salem, Massachusetts – Walgreens will close nine of its locations across Massachusetts as part of a broader initiative to reduce costs and improve profitability. The closures are scheduled to occur between May 19 and June 26, 2025.

The specific locations and closing dates are as follows:

May 19: 59 Boston St., Salem; 624 Waverley St., Framingham
May 20: 229 Andover St., Peabody
May 21: 32 Main St., Lakeville
June 23: 771 Centre St., Brockton; 510 Wilbur Ave., Swansea
June 24: 100 East Main St., Webster
June 25: 220 Grafton St., Worcester
June 26: 1512 South Main St., Fall River

This decision is part of Walgreens’ plan to close approximately 1,200 underperforming stores nationally over the next three years. In the current fiscal year, Walgreens anticipates closing about 500 locations. The pharmacy chain faces increasing regulatory and reimbursement pressures, impacting their ability to cover costs associated with rent, staffing, and supplies.

As Walgreens implements these closures, patients currently using the affected locations will be notified by mail. Their prescriptions will be automatically transferred to the nearest Wilmington store to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, customers impacted by these closures will be offered free medication delivery for 90 days.

This announcement comes amid a significant shifting landscape in the retail pharmacy industry. Other companies, including CVS and Rite Aid, are also scaling back operations, with CVS announcing plans to close around 900 of its pharmacies. The competitive pressure from online retailers and changes in consumer behavior have altered the traditional retail pharmacy model.

Walgreens operates about 8,500 stores throughout the United States, with approximately 140 located in Massachusetts alone. Concerns have been raised regarding reduced access to medications and healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities that may depend on these stores for essential prescription needs.

While highlighting the challenges posed by the evolving market, Walgreens has expressed a commitment to revitalizing its business model. This includes redeploying staff from the closed locations to other stores, aiming to maintain workforce levels while maximizing operational efficiency. CEO Tim Wentworth has indicated confidence in the company’s future, emphasizing ongoing efforts to adapt to changing consumer trends.

In summary, Walgreens’ planned closures of nine stores in Massachusetts represent a significant reshaping of its retail strategy, aiming to address financial pressures while navigating a competitive market landscape. The company continues to take steps to support affected customers and employees as it moves forward with these changes.