London Drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to close on Feb. 1

London Drugs' Downtown Eastside store in the Woodward's building will close on Feb. 1, and the retailer said ongoing vandalism, theft and violence made operating the location unsustainable.

The London Drugs outlet in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside will close on Feb. 1, the retailer announced. The store has operated in the Woodward's building since 2009. Company leadership said repeated vandalism, theft and incidents of violence that affected staff and customers, along with rising safety and protection costs, made continuing operations unsustainable. The company also reported large cumulative losses and said about 90 employees have been offered positions at nearby stores. Key details: - The store is scheduled to close on Feb. 1 and has been located in the Woodward's building since 2009. - London Drugs cited ongoing vandalism, theft and violence affecting employees and customers, and higher costs to protect staff and stock, as reasons for the closure. - The location sustained tens of millions in losses since it opened, and about 90 staff were offered transfers to other nearby stores. - Local leaders and community groups said the closure will reduce access to pharmacy and postal services in the neighbourhood and reflected wider concerns about housing, mental health supports and public safety. Summary: The closure removes a pharmacy and Canada Post outlet that many residents relied on and has drawn reactions from city councillors and community organizations noting broader social-service and safety challenges. London Drugs has offered positions to affected employees and set Feb. 1 as the closing date. Broader plans to address neighbourhood conditions were not specified. Undetermined at this time.