One alderman calls it pharmaceutical genocide.
Walgreens says one location in Chatham is closing on June 4 because of high levels of theft and violent incidents. This is the same area where a Target store recently shut down.
Enduring two kidney transplants and diabetes, Terrell Gardner takes about 14 pills a day to keep his immune system suppressed. The 69-year-old says the closure of his closest Walgreens will force him to drive several miles away to get his medicine.
"Now, I've got to find another way. I've got to possibly go west to Cicero, and I'm living all the way here on the East Side," Gardner said.
Patricia Shell does not have an option for another Walgreens. She uses an electric wheelchair for her once-a-month pick up for prescriptions. Shell does not drive.
"This is convenient for me. I just live down the street here in the senior building, and I don't know what we're going to do. I guess I have to go strictly with my mail order people," Shell said.
The Walgreens location at 86th and South Cottage Grove is the latest to announce closure. An East 71st location is slated to close May 19.
Four other South Side locations have shut down over the past year in Bronzeville, Little Village, South Shore, and South Chicago neighborhoods
"I've got to go to 87th and Stony Island. I mean, how do you close down all the Walgreens in this community?" said Walgreens customer Ronald Roach.
Three South Side aldermen led the way inside the store on Monday to protest the June 4 closing of the Chatham location.
"Walgreens should be charged with first degree corporate abandonment," said Ald. Will Hall, who represents the 6th Ward. "It should be a crime the way they are treating our elders. It should be a crime the way they are treating our families."
Hall is calling on the Chicago area-based company to at least keep the pharmacy open. Otherwise, he says, the South Side faces a pharmaceutical drought.
"We can do a sustainable innovation redesign. They did it on 12th and State Street. We're asking for the same effort on 86th," Hall said.
Hall says he has not received a response from Walgreens. In a written statement, the company says over time, the location has experienced "significantly higher levels of theft and violent incidents." It goes on to say, "Despite a range of efforts, including previous operating adjustments, these ongoing safety challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a secure environment for our team members and customers."
Renice Mays manages Le Club Boutique, a 38-year-old women's apparel store across the street. While there have been no problems at her store, Mays says she sees police at the Walgreens often.
"Walgreens is a different world. You see the people come out with things. Even if you go over there, you can see people just taking things out of the store," Mays said.
In the meantime, since 2023, alderpersons have been working on an ordinance that would require companies who operate in Tax Increment Financing districts to reimburse the city if they close. This Walgreens is in a TIFF district.
Full statement from Walgreens spokesperson:
"Our Cottage Grove Avenue store will close on June 4, 2026. Customers can continue to fill prescriptions at this location until the closing date.
"Over time, this store has experienced significantly higher levels of theft and violent incidents than our other locations. Despite a range of efforts, including previous operating adjustments, these ongoing safety challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a secure environment for our team members and customers. While this was not an easy decision, safety must remain our top priority.
After June 4, prescriptions will be automatically transferred to nearby stores to ensure uninterrupted service. The closest location is 1616 East 87th Street, which is 1.3 miles away. To make this transition easier, patients at the Cottage Grove Avenue store are eligible for free prescription delivery for 90 days.
For additional assistance or to find other nearby locations, please visit walgreens.com/storelocator or call 1-800-Walgreens. Team members are being supported through this transition, including opportunities to continue employment at other Walgreens locations.
We remain committed to the city of Chicago and our customers and continue to provide the largest number of pharmacies in the city.
More broadly, we're focused on becoming America's best retail pharmacy, beginning with improving the instore experience for our customers and patients. We're strengthening our level of service, hiring additional team members where needed to expand pharmacy and store hours, and bringing in more relevant products and inventory to better serve the millions of people who rely on us every day, often in areas where access to pharmacy and convenient shopping is limited.
Retail pharmacy remains central to our strategy. While we won't be able to keep every store open, closures are always a last resort. We expect to close fewer than 100 stores in 2026 and have approved four new store openings."