BRONX (WABC) — A Walgreens in the Bronx is among more than 1,000 stores nationwide that are closing their doors, and many people will have to find a new place to pick up prescriptions.

The pharmacy, located on East Fordham Road, will close permanently on Nov. 7. One of 1,200 locations to close across the US for the next three years.

“I think this is very objectionable,” Fordham student Ryan Murphy said. “We don’t have any other good options in the area.”

Residents of the area believe that thefts played a role in the store’s closure and say they witnessed the thieves getting bolder.

Walgreens said the economic downturn has made it very difficult to cover rent, staffing and supply costs.

The pharmaceutical giant said in a statement:

“Our retail pharmacy business is central to our forward-looking business strategy. However, increasing regulatory and reimbursement pressures are challenging our ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing and supply needs. Closing a pharmacy is never an easy decision. We recognize that our stores are important to the communities we serve.” “We know that, and that’s why we will do everything possible to improve store performance. When stores must close, as in New York, we will work in partnership with community stakeholders to minimize the number of customers. We plan to redeploy most of our team members from the stores we close.”

Experts believe shoplifting is one of many factors.

“When everything is behind a plexiglass screen and the customer is trying to buy something, that creates additional friction, and friction is the death of retail,” said business analyst Parag Amin. “I think in the long run this will be good for customers because it creates more competition ready to take their place.”

The mom-and-pop drugstore on Webster Avenue is more than ready to win new customers.

“We’re going to get some of the business, so we’re very happy about that, very fortunate,” said Mahesh Patel, co-owner of Plaza Pharmacy.

The East Fordham Road location is among 500 stores to close in fiscal 2025.

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