Walgreens is continuing its nationwide effort to close underperforming stores in 2026 as part of a long-term turnaround strategy aimed at improving profitability and strengthening its remaining retail and pharmacy locations.
The latest round of closures includes additional New Jersey locations, with the Walgreens pharmacy at 33 River Road in Bogota scheduled to permanently close on August 6, according to the company's official store locator. The announcement comes as Walgreens continues reducing its retail footprint while investing in stores considered financially sustainable.
Although headlines describing Walgreens store closures have sparked concern among customers, the company is not shutting down its entire pharmacy chain. Instead, Walgreens says it is evaluating individual locations based on profitability, customer demand and long-term business performance.
At a Glance
- Walgreens continues closing selected stores during 2026.
- The Bogota, New Jersey store at 33 River Road is scheduled to close on August 6.
- Closures are part of Walgreens' nationwide turnaround strategy.
- The company is not closing all Walgreens locations.
- Customers can transfer prescriptions to nearby Walgreens pharmacies.
- Walgreens continues operating thousands of stores nationwide.
Why Is Walgreens Closing Stores?
Walgreens announced its multi-year turnaround strategy after several years of declining profitability, changing consumer shopping habits and increasing operating costs.
The company has said many locations no longer generate enough revenue to remain financially viable. Some stores are located close to other Walgreens locations, while others have experienced declining prescription volume or higher operating expenses.
Rather than spreading investment across every location, Walgreens says it intends to focus resources on stores that have stronger long-term growth potential.
Which Walgreens Stores Are Closing?
Store closures continue to be announced in phases rather than through one nationwide list.
One of the latest confirmed closures is the Walgreens pharmacy located at 33 River Road in Bogota, New Jersey. Walgreens' official website states that the location will permanently close on August 6 while directing customers to nearby pharmacies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Other locations around the country have also been identified through company announcements and local reporting as Walgreens continues reviewing underperforming stores.
Will More Walgreens Stores Close?
Additional closures remain possible.
Walgreens has previously outlined plans to reduce the number of underperforming stores over several years as part of its restructuring strategy. Company executives have repeatedly said the goal is to improve overall business performance rather than exit the pharmacy market entirely. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Future closure decisions are expected to depend on store performance, lease agreements, customer demand and local market conditions.
What Happens to Prescriptions?
Customers whose Walgreens location is closing generally do not lose access to their prescriptions.
Walgreens typically transfers prescription records to a nearby Walgreens pharmacy or works with patients who wish to move prescriptions to another pharmacy of their choice.
Patients receiving specialty medications or recurring prescriptions should verify the transfer before their local store closes to avoid treatment interruptions.
Will Employees Lose Their Jobs?
Walgreens has not announced staffing outcomes for every affected location.
Historically, employees at closing stores have often been offered opportunities to transfer to nearby Walgreens locations when positions are available. Staffing decisions vary depending on local workforce needs and store availability.
Is Walgreens Going Out of Business?
No.
Despite continued store closures, Walgreens remains one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. The company continues operating thousands of retail pharmacies, health services and online prescription platforms.
The current closures represent a business restructuring effort rather than a company-wide shutdown.
How Should Customers Prepare?
- Confirm whether your local Walgreens is affected.
- Refill important prescriptions before the closing date if necessary.
- Verify where prescriptions will be transferred.
- Update automatic refill and pickup preferences.
- Check store hours at the new pharmacy location.
- Speak with your pharmacist if you have specialty medications.
Patients should not wait until the final day of operation to resolve prescription transfers, particularly if they take medications that require prior authorization or regular monitoring.
What Has Been Confirmed?
Walgreens continues closing selected underperforming stores during 2026 as part of its turnaround strategy.
The Bogota, New Jersey location at 33 River Road is scheduled to permanently close on August 6, according to Walgreens' official website. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The company has stated that closures are intended to improve profitability while continuing to invest in stronger-performing stores. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
What Remains Unknown?
Walgreens has not released a complete nationwide list of every store expected to close during the remainder of 2026.
The company also has not announced the timing of future closure waves or whether additional states will be significantly affected.
Explainedly Analysis
The recent headlines can make it appear that Walgreens is rapidly disappearing, but the reality is more measured.
The company is reducing its retail footprint while attempting to strengthen its remaining operations. Similar restructuring efforts have occurred across the retail pharmacy industry as online prescription services, changing shopping habits and rising operating costs reshape consumer demand.
For most customers, the biggest impact will be adjusting to a different pharmacy location rather than losing access to Walgreens altogether. The larger question is whether the company's turnaround strategy will successfully restore long-term profitability while maintaining convenient pharmacy access for local communities.
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens continues closing selected stores during 2026.
- The Bogota, New Jersey location is scheduled to close on August 6.
- The closures are part of a long-term restructuring strategy.
- Walgreens is not shutting down nationwide.
- Customers should confirm prescription transfers before their local store closes.
Sources
Walgreens
Inc.
NJBIZ
WDHA-FM
Reuters
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