Walgreens has announced the upcoming closure of its store located on Front Street in downtown Mankato, Minnesota. The pharmacy, situated at 602 South Front Street, is scheduled to close its doors permanently on January 30, 2025. This decision follows a company-wide review and is part of a broader plan to streamline operations.
In a communication to its Mankato customers, Walgreens stated that the decision to close the Front Street location was made after careful consideration of various factors. While the company assures customers that prescription services will continue to be available at other Walgreens locations, they specifically recommend the store on Madison Avenue in Mankato as the primary alternative. This hilltop location is suggested as the most convenient option for patients currently using the Walgreens Front Street pharmacy.
This closure is not an isolated event. Back in October, Walgreens publicly announced a strategic plan to close approximately 1,200 stores across the United States over the next three years. This move is in response to increasing pressures within the retail pharmacy sector. Walgreens, along with competitors like CVS and Rite Aid who have also announced store closures, is adapting to the evolving economic landscape of the pharmacy business.
A Walgreens spokesperson explained that while the retail pharmacy remains a core part of their business strategy, the company is facing increased regulatory and reimbursement challenges. These pressures are impacting the profitability of some locations, making it difficult to cover operational costs such as rent, staffing, and supply chain needs. The spokesperson emphasized that closing a store is never an easy decision and is only taken after exploring all other options to improve store performance. The company also stated its commitment to working with the affected community to minimize disruptions for customers and intends to redeploy the majority of employees from closing stores to other locations within the Walgreens network.
Following the closure of the Walgreens Front Street store, Mankato will continue to be served by two other Walgreens locations. These are situated on Madison Avenue in Mankato and on Lor Ray Drive in North Mankato, ensuring continued access to Walgreens services for residents in and around Mankato.
