A Thanksgiving Break For Walgreens Staff: Company Is Closing Nearly All Of Its Stores For The Holiday

Retail pharmacy chain owner Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. WBA said most of its locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The company is closing nearly all of its stores and pharmacies for the first time in its history after the employees' protest over poor working conditions.

However, nearly 700 Walgreens 24-hour locations will remain open on Thanksgiving to help meet the customers' healthcare needs.

"We have consistently heard from our team members—who are the face of Walgreens—that time off is a meaningful way for us to demonstrate we value them," said Tracey D. Brown, EVP, President Walgreens Retail & Chief Customer Officer.

A small number of Walgreens distribution centers and other sites will also continue to operate on Thanksgiving Day, including supply chain and centralized teams. 

The move comes amid mounting pressures on pharmacists, with reports of significant prescription backlogs exacerbated by an increased focus on vaccine administration. Such conditions have sparked concerns over the risk of errors due to overworked staff.

Walgreens locations that are closed Thanksgiving Day will operate regular posted hours on Wednesday, Nov. 22 as well as Friday, Nov. 24.

Price Action: WBA shares closed lower by 3.71% at $20.75 on Thursday.