Walgreens Eliminating 469 IL Jobs In Latest Cost-Cutting Measure: Report

DEERFIELD, IL — The layoffs continue at Walgreens as the pharmacy giant reshapes its business structure following its acquisition by a private equity firm last year.

According to a report by Crain's Chicago Business, the Deerfield-based company is eliminating 469 jobs in Illinois, while also closing a distribution center in Texas, which will cut another 159 positions.

"We're focused on becoming America’s best retail pharmacy, beginning with improving the in‑store experience for our customers and patients. To do this, we’ve made the difficult decision to simplify our organization in both the support center and with our field leadership to speed decision making and improve the service that millions of customers rely on every day. We have deep respect for our colleagues and greatly appreciate their contributions and are committed to supporting them throughout this transition."

A Walgreens spokesperson told Patch in response to the report

Sycamore Partners purchased Walgreens from Walgreens Boots Alliance, the pharmacy chain's former parent, in a reported deal worth $23.7 billion last year.

The sale, which was completed in August 2025, broke up Walgreens, The Boots Group, Shields Health Solutions, CareCentrix and VillageMD. Those entities became standalone companies under private ownership.

The sale turned Walgreens, which has been a publicly traded company for nearly 100 years, into a private entity. With the completion of the acquisition, WBA's common stock ceased trading and is no longer listed on the Nasdaq.

RELATED: Sale Of Walgreens Complete: Fate Of Deerfield Headquarters Also Decided

The latest job losses follow several years of Walgreens making cost-cutting measures across the board, which have also included the closure of stores and distribution centers. WBA has seen its market value shrink from over $100 billion to around $7.5 billion in the last decade.

In October 2025, Sycamore Partners announced the closure of a massive downtown Chicago workspace at the Old Post Office property.

The sale, which was completed in August, broke up Walgreens, The Boots Group, Shields Health Solutions, CareCentrix and VillageMD. Those entities are now standalone companies under private ownership.

Walgreens, headquartered at 108 Wilmot Road, continues to operate over 8,000 stores in the United States. In the Crain's report, the company said it has decided to slow down store closings, with fewer than 100 locations this year, a number lower than previously announced. In addition, Walgreens plans to open four new pharmacies.

RELATED:

• Walgreens Sold To Private Equity Firm In Up To $23.7B Deal
• Walgreens Eliminates 6 Paid Holidays For Hourly Workers After Private Equity Buyout
• Walgreens Dispensed Millions Of Unlawful Prescriptions: Lawsuit