Walgreen Closes More Stores

The company said it would prioritize closing underperforming stores, sites with expiring leases, and locations expected to deliver the greatest financial benefit from closure.
Published: 8/5/2026, 4:03:29 AM EDT
Walgreen Closes More Stores
A Walgreens store in Bradenton, Fla., on Feb. 9, 2024. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

Since August 2025, Walgreens has closed about 500 stores as the pharmacy chain presses forward with a sweeping downsizing initiative across the country.

As of August 2026, Walgreens operates roughly 8,000 stores in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico. That number is down from approximately 8,500 locations the company reported at the time of its acquisition by Sycamore Partners in August 2025.
For affected customers, Walgreens has published guidance on its website, but the company has not released a full list of closing locations or a national schedule for closures.

The current wave of closures actually predates Walgreens’ shift to private ownership.

Back in October 2024, company leaders revealed plans to shutter about 1,200 to 1,300 by the end of fiscal 2027, including roughly 500 by the end of fiscal 2025. That projection includes locations previously approved for closure as part of an earlier cost-cutting effort.
The company said it would prioritize closing underperforming stores, sites with expiring leases, and locations expected to deliver the greatest financial benefit from closure. Currently, Walgreens states it has 211,000 employees and nine million customers daily.

Ownership of the company changed hands before the closure program wrapped up. Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, acquired Walgreens Boots Alliance in August 2025, ending the pharmacy giant’s run as a publicly traded company. Walgreens reemerged as a private business, with former Staples U.S. Retail CEO Mike Motz taking over as chief executive officer on Aug. 28, 2025.

For customers, the impact of these closures varies.

"Store closing? We’re here to help," Walgreens states on its website for store closures. "Our care for you goes beyond any one address."

“Your prescriptions and our pharmacy services are available at Walgreens locations nationwide, or if you need to change your retail store, we can help with that too,” it states.

Those affected by a pharmacy shutdown can transfer their prescriptions to a nearby Walgreens location through the company’s app or website. Walgreens officials say all of its pharmacies can access prescription, insurance, and patient records, helping minimize disruptions for most patients.

Customers enrolled in automated refill programs, such as Auto Refill or Save a Trip Refills, can select a new pickup location in advance. If they do not, Walgreens says it will automatically direct eligible prescriptions to a nearby store.

The company also offers same-day and one- to two-day prescription delivery within 20 miles of most locations, starting at $3.99.

Free shipping is available for five- to 10-day delivery. The pharmacy also says a 90-day supply refill may be an option if the nearest Walgreens is inconvenient.

Customers are encouraged to check the Walgreens store locator online or contact their local pharmacy for the most up-to-date information on closures.