A Walgreens store in Citrus Heights, one of three in the area, is set to close permanently later this month.
Sentinel reporters visited the store on February 15 and found signs of its upcoming closure. The Walgreens at 6199 Sunrise Blvd. displayed sale prices, only half-full shelves, and signs announcing the store's closure.
These signs confirm that the store is in its last days of business. The store will shut down entirely on February 20, 2024. On that day, the pharmacy will remain open until 3 p.m.
Citrus Heights Walgreens: Pharmacy Records Update
A notice in the window of the drive-thru pharmacy at the soon-to-close Walgreens in Citrus Heights assures customers that their prescription records will still be accessible. These records can be found at any Walgreens location, including the store near Sunrise Boulevard and Antelope Road.
This closure follows the sale of the Walgreens building at 6199 Sunrise Blvd. in 2016, which fetched $10.41 million. Constructed in 2007, this 14,820-square-foot building sits on a two-acre lot opposite the Sunrise Mall.
Last year, Walgreens announced its plan to close about 150 of its nearly 9,000 stores in the United States by the end of August 2024. A CNN report from October attributed the closures to increased theft and a drop in prescription sales.
Major pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are closing several stores. This decision comes as they face increasing competition from online giant Amazon and large retailers with in-store pharmacies, such as Walmart and Dollar General, in rural areas.
These drugstore chains initially saw a boost during the pandemic, primarily due to the demand for Covid-19 vaccines. However, the pandemic also led to fewer customers shopping in-store and a decline in prescription needs as people underwent fewer elective medical procedures.
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Rite Aid Closes Last Citrus Heights Store
In a recent wave of financial challenges, other drugstore chains have also struggled. Notably, Rite Aid closed its last store in Citrus Heights in November of the previous year. This closure came after the company had to file for bankruptcy protection, highlighting the financial difficulties it faced.
Rite Aid has released a statement regarding the closure of one of its stores, providing insight into its decision-making process.
The company emphasized that such decisions are made after thorough evaluation, considering various factors, including alignment with business strategies, lease and rent costs, local market conditions, and the store's performance.
Rite Aid also highlighted its commitment to ensuring that communities continue to have access to health services. This involves arranging prescription transfers to other pharmacies, thereby minimizing service interruptions.
Additionally, the company focuses on relocating its employees to other Rite Aid stores wherever feasible.
David Silverman, a senior director at Fitch Ratings, pointed out that the pandemic has been particularly tough for drugstores.
One significant issue these stores face, especially in certain areas, is theft. As a response, many drugstores have started locking up products to prevent stealing. However, this measure has negatively affected the shopping experience for customers.
Silverman noted, "Drug retailers seem more affected by theft than other retail categories." This highlights a unique challenge that drugstores are currently facing.
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