Outrage Over Walgreens Store Closures in Chicago
Chicago aldermen are expressing strong displeasure regarding Walgreens’ decision to close several of its stores, citing safety concerns. They argue that the company should be held accountable for what they label “first-degree corporate abandonment.”
Alderman William Hall, along with community members, held a press conference to voice their frustrations over the upcoming closure of a Walgreens in the Chatham neighborhood, specifically in the city’s 6th Ward. “Walgreens should be charged with first-degree corporate abandonment,” Hall stated emphatically. “The way they treat our elders should be illegal. Similarly, how they treat our families is disgraceful.”
The Walgreens store is set to close on June 4th. As of now, attempts to get comments from both Walgreens and Hall’s office have not yielded results.
In a statement to a local publication, Walgreens cited theft and violence as significant reasons for the closure of its S. Cottage Grove Avenue location. “Despite our prior efforts, including operational changes, these persistent safety challenges make it increasingly difficult to provide a secure environment for our staff and customers,” the company explained. They added, “This wasn’t a light decision, but safety must remain our top priority.” Moreover, Walgreens noted that employees from the affected store can transfer to other locations.
During the press conference, Hall emphasized that residents are not pleading with Walgreens to remain, but instead asserting that the company’s decision is misguided. He cautioned that such a closure could lead to a “medicine drought” for vulnerable populations, like the elderly and those managing chronic conditions. “We aren’t here begging Walgreens to stay. We believe their choice is wrong,” he remarked. “This is, in my view, a first-degree corporate crime. The high number of elderly people lacking health care is truly an evil situation.” He also mentioned that when Walgreens entered the area, it negatively impacted local small businesses.
Alderman Raymond Lopez, another local leader, acknowledged the community’s frustration but raised questions about the timing of their anger. “Where was this outrage when the stores in our community faced years of attacks from criminals who could freely shoplift and vandalize?” he asked. “Many have reduced this issue to merely an insurance problem. They are mistaken. Ongoing crime has tangible consequences, and this closure clearly illustrates that.”
Walgreens has a history of closing stores in various cities due to escalating theft. In fact, in 2021, the company shut down several locations in the San Francisco area amid a rise in organized retail crime.
