'Morale is low': Layoffs hit London Drugs as B.C. employees are impacted
The wave of layoffs impacting Vancouver businesses continued this week, with news coming out about significant layoffs taking place at B.C.-based London Drugs.
According to an internal letter shared with Daily Hive, approximately 80 positions have been “reduced” across the chain.
“Changes of this nature are not taken lightly, and we recognize this will have a real impact on individuals and teams across the organization,” said Nick Curalli, President and Chief Operating Officer, in the letter dated July 14, 2026.
“These changes are intended to help ensure London Drugs remains competitive and positioned for the long term.”
Michael Larson*, a long-time London Drugs employee, told Daily Hive that the 80 positions eliminated were full-time and part-time supervisors across the chain, at nearly every store.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
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“We found out as it happened in real time,” said Larson. “Staff came into work and were told. Others had phone calls or Teams meetings. An internal letter was also sent to staff regarding the restructuring.
“Morale is low. Now that the word has gotten out to the public, all kinds of staff are having to answer questions we don’t have answers to. Staff are upset that they are losing friends who have worked with them for years and have become family to each other.”
It has been a tumultuous year for the Richmond-based company, with 50 locations in B.C.
A busy London Drugs location closing in the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood in February after 40 years of operation.
The London Drugs at Woodward’s also permanently closed the same month due to “persistent safety incidents.”
The former London Drugs space at the Woodward’s complex. (Kenneth Chan)
In the internal memo titled “Retail Management Restructure,” Curalli explained that the changes being made to the store-level leadership model took place following a lengthy evaluation and as an “evolution of the store labor model rollout.”
“In the past, we have been able to absorb and above industry level labor model and associated costs,” added Curalli. “However, the current economic conditions and our need to be more competitive mean we must evolve.
“London Drugs has not previously undertaken workforce reductions of this nature, and we expect there will be concern and questions across stores and head office.”
Larson told Daily Hive that staff are feeling uneasy about the future of their jobs.
Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive
“Staff are very uncertain about the direction the company is going in,” added Larson. “First a cyber attack, no stock on shelves and now this.
“They are wondering about the future of the company. Are we going the way of Sears or The Bay?”
Naomi Perks, the communications manager for London Drugs, told Daily Hive that the 81-year-old company is working to adapt to changing customer expectations and an evolving and increasingly competitive retail environment.
“As part of that work, we have made the difficult decision to make changes to our store-level leadership structure, resulting in a reduction of roles across the organization,” said Perks. “We know this news is difficult, and our focus is on supporting the employees affected through this transition.
“London Drugs has a long history of investing in its people and communities, and that commitment continues. We are focused on supporting impacted employees with care and respect through this transition.”
*A pseudonym was used to protect the source’s privacy.