London Drugs stores across Western Canada closed due to ‘operational issue’

Retail and pharmacy chain London Drugs says in a post on social media that it has closed all of its stores in Western Canada temporarily due to what it called an “operational issue.”

London Drugs has experienced an operational issue that has led to stores across Western Canada being closed until further notice.
Pharmacists are standing by to support with urgent pharmacy needs. We advise customers to phone their local store's pharmacy to make arrangements.

— London Drugs (@LondonDrugs) April 28, 2024

Various news outlets reported the company shared by email that it was a cybersecurity incident, and that the store closures were done out of an abundance of caution.

The Canadian retail and pharmacy chain didn’t elaborate further, but says pharmacists are able to help with “urgent pharmacy needs.”

Customers are asked to call their local pharmacy to make arrangements.

A photo from the entrance of the London Drugs at Broadway and Cambie in Vancouver says the store is down due to a system error, and the store is unable to process transactions of any kind.

“We currently have no ETA, however, IT is working hard to resolve the issue,” the sign reads.

There are 52 stores in B.C., 21 stores in Alberta, five in Saskatchewan, and one in Manitoba.

It’s unclear how many of the 79 stores are affected.

CityNews has reached out to London Drugs for more information.