Walgreens is planning to close around 1,200 locations, as the drugstore chain and its rivals struggle to define their role for U.S. shoppers who no longer look to them first for convenience. Drugstores that once snapped up prime retail space in towns and cities across the country are in retreat.

The pharmacy chain said Tuesday the closures will occur within the next three years, starting with 500 stores being shuttered in fiscal year 2025.