Why St. Paul Corner Drug Loses Money Filling Prescriptions
"The busier you are, the more money you lose."
Pharmacy deserts are popping up across the state. Approximately 61% of independent Minnesota pharmacies have closed in the past decade, leaving around 120 at the beginning of 2026, according to the Minnesota Pharmacists Association.
Ramstad: Soda fountain out, vaccine hub in as St. Paul Corner Drug fights to survive
The century-old fountain closed during the pandemic. Now, pharmacy owner John Hoeschen needs room to administer shots and other services that are the main source of profit for drugstores.
More Minnesotans face ‘pharmacy deserts’ with chain drugstore closures
As Walgreens, CVS get ready to close more stores, many independent pharmacies say they are operating at a loss.