In a significant blow to Vancouver's troubled Downtown Eastside, the major Canadian pharmacy and retail chain London Drugs has announced it will permanently shutter its location in the historic Woodward's building. The store's final day of operation will be February 1, 2025, marking the end of a 16-year presence that began with hopes of community revitalization.
A Difficult Decision Driven by Safety and Finances
London Drugs President and Chief Operating Officer Clint Mahlman described the move as a "very difficult decision" in an official statement. The primary reasons cited for the closure are persistent safety incidents and significant operating losses that have plagued the location for years.
"We are extraordinarily proud of the (Woodward's location) team and grateful for their dedication," Mahlman stated. "Over several years, we have faced persistent safety incidents and significant operating losses at this site. Despite extensive protective measures and close collaboration with local authorities, continued operations are not sustainable."
The Struggle to Sustain a Community Anchor
The Woodward's location opened in 2009 as an anchor tenant in the redevelopment of the iconic former department store at East Hastings and Abbott streets. The move was part of a broader urban renewal strategy for the surrounding neighbourhood. However, the store has struggled since its inception, never achieving profitability.
In a previous interview, Mahlman revealed the stark reality facing the store, which has lost millions of dollars. He posed critical questions about the balance between corporate responsibility and viability: "How much money are we expected to lose for the community benefit? How many staff members do we have injured? And how many people have to transfer out of there?"
Collaborative Efforts Failed to Reverse the Trend
The company emphasized that it did not make this decision lightly or without intervention. London Drugs worked closely with the Vancouver Police Department, which provided targeted patrols, a dedicated neighbourhood liaison officer, and conducted joint safety walk-throughs of the area.
These collaborative efforts, combined with the company's own security measures, did lead to a reduction in violent incidents against staff. However, the statement noted a critical failure: "Even with these improvements, customer traffic has not returned, and the store continues to incur significant losses, and the costs required to operate safely remain high."
The closure will directly impact the store's employees and customers in the community. London Drugs has stated it will support affected staff and shoppers through the transition period. The move underscores the ongoing challenges faced by businesses operating in the Downtown Eastside, an area long grappling with complex social issues including poverty, addiction, and mental health crises.
The departure of a major retailer like London Drugs raises questions about the future of commercial investment and community services in one of Vancouver's most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
