Lloydspharmacy to ‘withdraw’ pharmacy services from all Sainsbury’s branches, On January 19th 2023, Lloydspharmacy has announced that it will be withdrawing all its instore pharmacies in Sainsbury’s. These were only acquired a few years ago in 2015 and now all 237 will be affected. Lloydspharmacy has come to this decision by taking a strategic view of operations in the forever changing market and patient demands.
The multiple commented that they are exploring all viable options so cannot comment on whether the branches will be sold or closed down. Each branch will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Many colleagues will be affected by this huge decision but the multiple has assured that they will work closely with all colleagues affected and will support them through the whole process.
Chief Executive Officer has told C+D that ‘this has not been an easy decision to make’. He further acknowledged that patients, staff and the communities will have questions about this change and ensures they will be answered in due time. He hopes for a smooth transition over the next few months. This decision may come as a surprise to some, however looking the history since the acquisition in 215, Lloydspharmacy had closed 10 of the branches by 2017 and some branches reducing their 100 hour service since 2021 due to staffing challenges – therefore its not as surprising to see the withdrawal of the pharmacies from the large supermarket chain.