Two big name chains, Advance Auto Parts and Walgreens have announced permanent closings in Houlton.
Advance Auto Parts, previously located on Bangor Street, is already gone and the Houlton-based pharmacy is closing permanently on Sept. 4, according to Walgreens officials.
Both closings are part of a nationwide trend of big name chains closing underperforming stores, according to corporate releases.
“While it’s always difficult to see familiar businesses close, it’s important to note that both Advance Auto Parts and Walgreens are making nationwide decisions affecting many communities, not just ours,” said Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corp.
Walgreens operates over 8,500 stores in the U.S. The Houlton pharmacy closure is one of approximately 1,200 closures slated for the retail giant over the next three years, with 500 scheduled in fiscal 2025, according to Walgreens.
“It is never an easy decision to close a store, and we know how important they are to the communities we serve,” said Jennifer Cotto, a Walgreens spokesperson. “When closures are necessary, we will work in partnership with community stakeholders to minimize customer disruptions.”
The retail pharmacy giant has closed nearly two dozen Maine-based pharmacies including Augusta and Calais this year, according to the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
It’s a similar story for Advance Auto Parts, with the downsizing of their U.S. footprint by 523 Advance Auto corporate stores, closing four distribution centers and exiting 204 independent locations.
In 2018, Walgreens acquired the Houlton Rite Aid as well as stores in Caribou, Fort Kent, Fort Fairfield, Presque Isle and Madawaska. The Fort Fairfield store closed in 2023.
Some local residents expressed concerns on Facebook about refilling prescriptions and buying over-the-counter medications. But several pharmacies remain in Houlton, including Hannaford and Walmart pharmacies, both located on Ludlow Road, as well as a pharmacy in the Katahdin Valley Health Center on Bangor Street, Johnston said.
Patients who get their prescriptions from Walgreens do not need to take action. They will be notified by mail, and their prescriptions will be automatically transferred to the Hannaford at 33 Ludlow Road, also in Houlton, Cotto said.
From an economic development standpoint, these closures also open the door to new possibilities, said Johnston.
“We see this as a chance to bring in new services, jobs, and investment that will strengthen our local economy. Both sites are in highly visible, well-trafficked locations that could be ideal for future businesses,” Johnston said. “SADC will be actively promoting these opportunities to prospective entrepreneurs and companies looking to expand into our region.”
