The Walgreens store at 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Chatham will close permanently on June 4, according to an announcement made May 5 by Alderman William Hall and the national drugstore chain.
The closure has sparked concern among local leaders and residents, who gathered outside the store Monday to protest what they described as ongoing ‘corporate abandonment’ of South Side communities. Many said the loss of another pharmacy would make it harder for residents, especially seniors, to access healthcare services.
A Walgreens spokesperson said the decision was due to “significantly higher levels of theft and violent incidents than our other locations.” The statement continued: “Despite a range of efforts, including previous operating adjustments, these ongoing safety challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a secure environment for our team members and customers. While this was not an easy decision, safety must remain our top priority.”
Alderman Hall criticized the explanation and highlighted that Walgreens has managed to stay open in other neighborhoods by making operational changes such as locking up merchandise. He called on company officials either to transform the Cottage Grove store or invest in local healthcare organizations if they proceed with closure. “Walgreens should be charged with first-degree corporate abandonment,” Hall said. “It should be a crime the way they’re treating our elders [and] our families.” Alderman Lamont Robinson announced plans for a new ordinance aimed at preventing large retailers from leaving communities without support if they have received city funding.
Local resident Latonya Mitchell shared concerns about losing convenient access for her family’s prescriptions and daily needs: “They’re leaving this community destitute,” she said during Monday’s rally. Jeremiah Hinton of Be The Proof Foundation joined with his sons, stating that their participation showed “the power that can be had by supporting the community” and urging Walgreens not to abandon loyal customers.
Customers can fill prescriptions at the Chatham location until June 4; after that date, prescriptions will transfer automatically to another nearby Walgreens at 1616 E. 87th St., with free delivery available for three months following closure. A company spokesperson added: “While we won’t be able to keep every store open, closures are always a last resort… We expect to close fewer than 100 stores in 2026 and have approved four new store openings.”
