The Walgreens drugstore on 1524 Polk Street, between Sacramento and California streets, has long struggled with crime and mayhem. It has seen more than its fair share of inebriated and mentally ill individuals causing disturbances, as well as shoplifters clearing the shelves. Unsurprisingly, on Jan. 10, Walgreens announced this location would be included in the round of San Francisco store closures.
Despite the vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, cafes, and retailers on the block, the area is gritty. For years staff and customers have been vocal about the rampant theft and violence within the store, urging both city officials and corporate leaders to bolster security. On Dec. 3, 2023 a few dedicated locals launched a campaign to show the store’s staff how much they cared about the store and employees. They stood outside, asking people walking in to write letters of support.
Therefore, the announcement that this store was slated for closure was a blow to the neighborhood. WOW Kids Playground had just opened a block over, in the long-shuttered Big Apple grocery store. Such small businesses as Bob’s Donuts, Zee Continental Jewelers, Swan Oyster Depot, and Harper and Rye all operate within feet of the drugstore. It’s part of the ecosystem, and no one wanted another empty building blighting the block.
Then a tip came in on Jan. 28, 2025. The store manager had just informed employees that this location would, in fact, remain open for business.
Marty Maloney, Walgreens media relations spokesperson, confirmed the news, writing in an email:
“We are conducting an ongoing analysis of the financial performance of every Walgreens store. After review of the current financial performance at this location, we are pleased to confirm our commitment to continuing operations at this store.”
At this juncture, the 11 other Walgreens stores remain on the chopping block, said Maloney. They are 1201 Taraval Street, 3201 Divisadero Street, 1363 Divisadero Street, 825 Market Street, 1750 Noriega Street, 5280 Geary Boulevard, 1301 Franklin Street, 1189 Potrero Avenue, 135 Powell Street, 1630 Ocean Avenue, and 5300 3rd Street
Where has the city been in ensuring that crucial drugstores are able to function without putting both staff and shoppers at risk?
But where has the city been in ensuring that crucial drugstores are able to function without putting both staff and shoppers at risk? Largely asleep. However, such a sweeping round of closures seems to have woken them up. In the January Board of Supervisors meeting, saving Walgreens suddenly seemed to be a priority. They passed a “resolution.”
The board wants to work with Walgreens, as it “recognizes the importance of maintaining accessible healthcare services and retail options as part of its commitment to equity, public health, and community well-being.”
Strangely, it doesn’t recognize the importance in keeping workers and customers protected against crime that occurs in the stores, nor does it address the role such retailers play in a financially healthy city. That massive 135 Powell Street location, for example, served the millions of visitors who come to San Francisco. In February it will be just another gaping hole by the world famous cable car turnaround.
The resolution continues, though:
“[The] San Francisco Board of Supervisors strongly urges Walgreens to reconsider its decision to close the affected stores and prioritize alternative solutions to maintain their presence in San Francisco, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods that face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and essential services … [the board] calls on Walgreens to engage collaboratively with city officials, community leaders, and impacted residents to develop strategies that sustain pharmacy access and support neighborhood vitality.”
The governmental “please don’t go, we’ll change and do what it takes to make you happy” pleading will likely fall on deaf ears. Walgreens would have remained in any of the locations if it made good business sense. It clearly did not, and there is little to no faith that it will in the near future. Lower Polk got their hail Mary; other communities won’t be so lucky.