All Lloyds Pharmacy branches in Sainsbury’s stores will close today, earlier than originally planned.
Some 237 outlets will be shuttered, which is understood to equate to 2,000 jobs lost.
Closures were initially planned to be phased in over the next year, but have been brought forward.
A spokesperson from LloydsPharmacy told Pharmacy Business: “In January 2023 LloydsPharmacy announced the withdrawal of pharmacy services from all Sainsbury’s stores, to take place throughout 2023.
“It can now confirm that any remaining branches within the Sainsbury’s estate will close by 13 June 2023.”
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“Throughout the process, LloydsPharmacy has been committed to helping patients easily find a suitable alternative provision. It has kept patients informed of when services from their specific pharmacy will end so that they can transfer their nominations as needed.”
The pharmacy chain, which was acquired by private equity firm Aurelius last year, has blamed “changing market conditions” for the decision which could put 2,000 jobs on the line across the UK.
Sainsbury’s is thought to be negotiating with a number of suppliers to replace the LloydsPharmacy outlets. The Grocer reported that Sainsbury’s has contacted suppliers to ask what they could do with space in its store in return for a “six-figure” investment.
