Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has officially closed its Roxbury pharmacy on Warren Street, causing controversy amid strong opposition from social activists and politicians who had fought to keep the pharmacy open. This closure is a continuation of a disturbing trend seen in Boston's low-income communities, following similar closures in Hyde Park and Mattapan. This makes it the fourth Walgreens outlet to shut down since late 2022.
The reasons cited for these closings include shifts in market dynamics and customer buying habits. The company also revealed that approximately 200 other stores are set to close nationwide by the end of this year.
To ensure a smooth transition for affected customers, patient files and prescriptions will automatically be transferred to a proximate Walgreens outlet located on Columbus Ave. As part of their service, Walgreens is offering free same-day delivery of pharmacy and non-pharmacy items for 90 days.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley spoke out against the closures on the House floor, pointing out that the Roxbury community, which is largely composed of Black and Latino populations, is directly impacted. Pressley, who represents District 7, accused the action of being "life-threatening acts of racial and economic discrimination".
This sentiment was echoed by other politicians including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, who joined protesters outside the pharmacy in an appeal to Walgreens to keep the store open.
Community activist Clifton Braithwaite expressed the community's determination in a call to action, suggesting that a nationwide boycott could force the company to reconsider its actions.
