London Drugs announced the closure of its Vancouver Downtown Eastside branch effective February 1. London Drugs President and COO Clint Mahlman explained that the decision to shut down the pharmacy and retail outlet in the Woodward’s building after over a decade of operation was a difficult one. Mahlman highlighted the continuous challenges faced by the store, including vandalism, theft, and violence towards both employees and customers, which led to unsustainable financial burdens for ensuring safety and security.
Since its establishment in 2009, the location has experienced significant financial losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars. While acknowledging the Vancouver police’s efforts in the area, Mahlman expressed doubts about the prospect of immediate positive change in the neighborhood’s safety and security situation.
The closure will impact 90 employees, who have been offered opportunities at nearby stores, according to Mahlman. Vancouver Councillor Peter Meiszner lamented the closure, emphasizing the store’s importance as an affordable option for various services within the community.
Jess Ketchum, co-founder of the Save our Street Coalition, echoed concerns about the store’s closure, citing longstanding worries about safety issues in the neighborhood. Ketchum emphasized the need for comprehensive care for individuals with mental health and addiction problems and praised the efforts of the Vancouver police in addressing crime in the area.
Maggie Lord, president of the board at the Carnegie Community Centre Association, highlighted the detrimental impact of losing the Canada Post service within the London Drugs store on the Downtown Eastside community. Lord emphasized the significance of community support and infrastructure, particularly in terms of housing, to address underlying issues contributing to public disorder in the area.