Bridgeview Shopko closing April 7, those using that pharmacy may have to go elsewhere immediately

The announcement that Shopko is closing on the north side of La Crosse is having an affect on more than those just looking for discounts.

City Council Member Andrea Richmond said she’s already seen a lot of people shopping those store-closing prices, but those needing to use the pharmacy are being negatively effected.

“I know (people who) have tried to get their medicines renewed yesterday, and didn’t have any luck because no prescription drugs are coming in anymore,” Richmond told WIZM on Friday. “They had to transfer it over to Walgreens. It’s unfortunately for the people that didn’t even know that.”

Richmond represents District 1, where Bridgeview Plaza is located. The Shopko there is scheduled to close on April 7.

“That is something that has always been a good draw for everybody, not only the north side but our community,” Richmond said.

No word yet on when or whether the other two Shopkos in the La Crosse area will be closing, as Richmond even asked the Bridgeview Plaza manager about that.

“He has no idea if that will be coming in the near future,” she said. “I almost think it will be but that’s just my opinion.”

Other stores across Wisconsin that are closing include Appleton, Grafton, Menasha, Seymour and Sussex.

The Green Bay area department store chain operates about 360 stores in 24 states.

Shopko has said the closures are dictated by the long-term outlook on profitability, sales trends and growth potential.

Shopko intends to seek bankruptcy protection from creditors next week.