A Walgreens recently closed on Cottage Grove, sparking intense discussions, but many are missing the point. It wasn’t about hating any community. They left because it became increasingly unfeasible for them to operate there. Blame has shifted towards corporate greed, but the real issue lies in the unsustainable conditions that prompted their exit.
This particular Walgreens faced staggering theft, losing over $1 million in a year. Despite spending significant funds on security, the store couldn’t stop theft and threats to its staff. This environment led to honest customers, especially the elderly, avoiding the location due to safety concerns. In a capitalist society, such circumstances can’t be ignored without consequences.
I’ve experienced this myself. A Walgreens near my church in Woodlawn also shut down. I didn’t point fingers at the business; I recognized the impact of community violence and theft that made it hard for them to thrive.
What disturbs me is the direction of the conversation. Comments from local leaders suggest Walgreens should face severe penalties, with one individual even dubbing it “pharmaceutical genocide.” This outrage seems misplaced. Where was this anger when criminals were robbing the store? The focus seems to shift from the theft itself to the consequences faced by the business.
After the Walgreens near my church closed, we had to arrange rides for elderly community members just to obtain their medications. People with chronic health issues were suddenly forced to travel longer distances for basic needs. This was a burden, but it didn’t seem to concern those committing the thefts.
Yet, no one wants to confront these uncomfortable truths. It’s simpler to blame a corporation than to look at the community’s role in fostering theft and violence. Instead of acknowledging that theft harms our own, it’s easier to criticize businesses for leaving.
There are legitimate root causes behind crime, like poverty and broken systems, but understanding these does not mean we can excuse theft. We can’t let it be acceptable to steal from our neighbors and then complain when those businesses are gone.
When Walgreens and similar businesses leave, we lose more than just a store. We lose jobs and the economic support that comes from having those establishments in our neighborhoods. If we allow theft to become the norm, these jobs will vanish.
If we want businesses to return and flourish, we need to show that our community is worth investing in. Our predecessors fought hard for access to these spaces, and we should honor that struggle by respecting and supporting our local businesses.
I refuse to join the chorus of people attacking Walgreens for their decisions. They left because they were not protected within our community. I want to see pharmacies and grocery stores come back to Cottage Grove and King Drive, but that will require a shift in how we treat these businesses.
Until then, let’s all reflect on our roles in this situation. Instead of asking, “Why did Walgreens abandon us?” we should be asking, “What did we do to contribute to their departure?”
