London Drugs stores in Western Canada remain closed on Monday after a weekend cyberattack, but despite the inconvenience to shoppers, many people are showing the chain some love.
“Out of an abundance of caution, London Drugs stores across Western Canada remain temporarily closed until further notice,” a spokesperson told Daily Hive on Monday.
London Drugs doesn’t believe that any customer data has been impacted, and pharmacists will continue to support customers with urgent pharmacy needs. People who have those needs are being asked to visit their local store in person, as phone lines have temporarily been taken down.
There is no timeline for when the stores will reopen.
But, the timing of the attack is being flagged as a challenge for many, especially those who have expressed their dissatisfaction over one of London Drugs’ competitors, Shoppers Drug Mart.
Loblaw Companies Limited, which operates Shoppers Drug Mart, has made headlines in recent weeks over a movement to boycott its stores, and many have said they would be shopping elsewhere in defiance over what they say has been unchecked price-gouging.
- You might also like:
- London Drugs closes Western Canada stores "until further notice" due to cybersecurity incident
- “Don't tolerate monopolies anymore”: Canadians gear up for Loblaw boycott starting this week
- Downtown Vancouver London Drugs locations could close over safety concerns
In contrast to the national boycott aimed at Loblaws, people are saying lots of nice things about London Drugs online. Some folks have pointed out the timing of the cyberattack, which happens to be very close to the Loblaws boycott set to start May 1.
“Whatever it is, hopefully the issue is cleared up soon!! London Drugs is a good alternative to the Weston corporatocracy that is strangling [Canadians] cost-of-living,” one person wrote on social media.
Why??? On the eve of #BoycottLoblaws month of May, too. (Shoppers Drug Mart under Galen Weston is highway robbery.)
Whatever it is, hopefully the issue is cleared up soon!! London Drugs is a good alternative to the Weston corporatocracy that is strangling 🇨🇦cost-of-living.
— Jennifer Heighton (@jheighton3) April 28, 2024
Others are giving props to London Drugs for being a good company.
“London Drugs is one of the good ethical companies. I hope this is nothing serious and is resolved soon,” another echoed.
London Drugs is one of the good ethical companies. I hope this is nothing serious and is resolved soon.
— SophieLeon (@snowpied) April 28, 2024
A Reddit thread has many folks comparing London Drugs to Loblaws, with many suggesting the former is superior to Shoppers Drug Mart and many others praising the pharmacy chain.
“With all of the stores shut down today and no doubt a lot of stress for all employees and management, I want to take this opportunity to say I love London Drugs! It’s easy to take it for granted since there’s one or two in every neighborhood for much of BC but it’s actually such an odd store.,” one person shared on Reddit. Adding, “Meanwhile almost everything is competitively priced compared to other stores and you rarely have to wait long at the till.”
Comment
byu/Benana94 from discussion
inbritishcolumbia
Some are also commenting on the employment standards at London Drugs.
Comment
byu/Benana94 from discussion
inbritishcolumbia
Another user said they felt London Drugs was superior.
“Yes love LD in Alberta. I much prefer London Drugs over Shoppers. I never go to Shoppers,” another Redditor said.
Reflecting on costs, one user said, “Better prices than Shoppers.”
Are you one of the hundreds of Western Canadian residents sad about this temporary closure of London Drugs?
With files from Nikitha Martins.
Follow Channels and Categories