News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

Walgreens' 1,200-Store Closure Plan Continues in 2026 (Is Yours One of Them?)

Is your trusty, local Walgreens sticking around after all?

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Aug. 27, 2026

Add Us On Google

If you've been worried that the Walgreens around the corner might disappear, we come bearing good news: the pharmacy giant is slowing its roll. Walgreens had previously announced plans to close a hefty number of stores, but the actual number has decreased considerably.

That's a welcome shift for folks who depend on their local Walgreens, especially as drugstores work to withstand economic downturns and keep the lights on. So what happened and why did the trajectory change? And did your Walgreens make the cut?

The numbers were dire at first

Walgreens first made their grim outlook public back in late 2024, when the company revealed that a quarter of its 8,700 U.S. stores weren't profitable. At that time, they planned to close 1,200 locations over three years, with 500 expected to disappear within the first 12 months alone.

Closures on that scale would arguably be disruptive for many Walgreens customers.

Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.

Why was the forecast so bleak for Walgreens?

Shuttering the weakest locations was Walgreens' way of trimming the fat. By closing the stores losing money, as well as stores with leases coming up for renewal, the company hoped to give its stronger stores a fighting chance.

Meanwhile, the pharmacy business was getting squeezed from all sides, thanks to lower prescription reimbursements, increased online competition, less foot traffic, and theft taking bites out of its bottom line.

A change in the dreary outlook

After private equity firm Sycamore Partners bought Walgreens and took it private in August 2025, things began to look up. The chain seriously scaled back its closure plans, marking an abrupt (and welcome, for many) about-face.

Walgreens now has about 8,000 U.S. locations (down from roughly 8,500 at the time of the buyout), and expects fewer than 100 stores to close in 2026. That's far below the earlier projections of up to 700.

Who is Sycamore Partners?

Sycamore Partners specializes in buying and retooling retail and consumer businesses. The firm has plenty of similar experience with retail takeovers, including investments in Staples, Talbot's, Nine West, The Limited, and more.

Whether that fresh ownership is exactly what Walgreens needs is still an open question, but after the recent rocky history, a new playbook certainly can't hurt.

How many Walgreens have closed this year?

Here's where things get a little tricky: Walgreens hasn't published an official national list or master schedule for its 2026 closures. Instead, approximately 15 confirmed shutdowns across about a dozen states and Washington, D.C., have been reported via local news and other press coverage.

So while that list gives folks a useful snapshot of what's happening, it shouldn't be treated as Walgreens' official closure roster.

What happens if your Walgreens is closing?

If your Walgreens is on the chopping block, don't panic. When one shutters, prescriptions are typically transferred automatically to the nearest open Walgreens.

Walgreens has also announced a prescription delivery service for a limited period after certain store closures, giving you breathing room. Still, it's smart to confirm plans, update your preferred location, and make sure you know which counter your next refill is coming from.

Don't Miss: 9 ways to tackle high grocery costs you won't hear about from your grocery store

What steps you should take if your Walgreens is closing

First, check the store's status on the Walgreens website or give the outlet a call. If it's closing, confirm where your prescriptions will be sent and make sure the new pharmacy works for you.

If the replacement is too much of a trek for you, plan ahead for refills and transportation, especially if you don't have an easy way to get around. Or see if you can go the mail delivery route.

Alternatives to Walgreens

Your nearby CVS may be an easy alternative, while grocery and bulk store pharmacies (Costco, Walmart, etc.), independent drugstores, and mail-order services are other options for prescriptions.

Before making the switch, check that your prescriptions and insurance will transfer smoothly. Doing that legwork now may save you stress before your next refill rolls around.

The future of Walgreens

Walgreens may be stable by all appearances for now, but that doesn't mean the store map is frozen in place. The slower pace of closures in 2026 appears tied to the company's about-face under new ownership, so your mileage may vary.

For Walgreens aficionados, that's encouraging, but not a lifetime guarantee for any particular location. Time will tell how the brand fares in the future.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Bottom line

Walgreens may be changing its playbook, but you don't have to wait around to see what direction things go in. This is a good time to take a gander at your pharmacy routine. Are you getting the best price on your prescriptions? Are your shopping needs changing? Is it time for a switch?

Walgreens may be convenient, but convenience shouldn't automatically mean paying more. A little comparison shopping now can help you avoid money mistakes later, and maybe even leave a few extra dollars for something more fun.

FAQs

How can I find out if my local Walgreens is closing?

Check your store's page on Walgreens.com, look for notices posted at the location, or call the pharmacy directly. Because closure information can change and there may not be a comprehensive national list, the individual store is often the best source for its current status.

Can I choose where my prescriptions go if my Walgreens closes?

Yes. Even if Walgreens initially transfers your prescriptions to another Walgreens, you generally aren't required to keep them there. You can ask to have eligible prescriptions transferred to another pharmacy that is more convenient or works better with your insurance.

What happens to my Walgreens rewards if my store closes?

A store closure doesn't necessarily mean losing access to a Walgreens account or its associated rewards, since the program can be used at other participating Walgreens locations and online, subject to the program's terms.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Low spend threshold for its welcome offer
Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
Apply Now

Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

5.0

Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

Why we like it