London Drugs to Shut Downtown Eastside Vancouver Store Over Safety Concerns

The store, located in the Woodward’s building, has been operating since 2009. London Drugs President and Chief Operating Officer Clint Mahlman said the decision was not taken lightly but became unavoidable due to mounting risks to staff and customers.

Mahlman said the store has faced repeated incidents of vandalism, theft and violent behaviour, creating an unsafe environment despite extensive security measures. He added that the rising costs required to protect employees, customers and merchandise had made the operation financially unsustainable.

According to Mahlman, the Downtown Eastside location has lost tens of millions of dollars since opening. He noted the significance of the closure, pointing out that London Drugs first opened in the neighbourhood more than 80 years ago, with its original store launching nearby in 1945.

While praising the Vancouver Police Department for their enforcement efforts in the area, Mahlman said policing alone has not been enough to reverse broader neighbourhood challenges. He added that the company does not see a realistic pathway for conditions to improve in the near future.

The closure will affect approximately 90 employees. London Drugs said all staff members have been offered positions at nearby locations.

The decision has drawn concern from community leaders. Vancouver city councillor Peter Meiszner, who lives in the area, called the closure devastating for local residents. He said the store has served as one of the last affordable retail options in the neighbourhood, offering essential services such as a pharmacy and post office.

Meiszner said the loss of the store highlights deeper issues related to public safety, mental health and addiction supports in the Downtown Eastside. He warned that residents may now be forced to rely on smaller convenience stores with higher prices, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Community advocates echoed those concerns. Save Our Streets Coalition co-founder Jess Ketchum said the closure had been anticipated for some time due to persistent safety issues. He said concerns about crime, violence and public disorder had been repeatedly raised by retailers operating in the area.

London Drugs operates in more than 35 major markets across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and also sells products online nationwide. The company said it remains committed to serving communities across Canada while prioritizing the safety of its employees and customers.