London Drugs stores remain closed after 'cybersecurity incident'

All London Drugs stores remained closed across Western Canada on Tuesday morning, two days after the B.C.-based company announced it was dealing with a "cybersecurity incident."

A statement issued by the company at 7:20 a.m. PT Tuesday said its stores "will remain temporarily closed ... until further notice while continuing to provide customers with urgent pharmacy care."

"London Drugs is currently working with leading third-party cybersecurity experts to bring our operations back online in a safe and secure manner."  

The retail and pharmacy chain, which has more than 80 stores across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, said it closed its stores "out of an abundance of caution" while it employed experts to investigate the incident. 

"Our investigation is currently assessing the extent to which any data has been compromised in the incident. In the event our investigation determines that personal information was impacted, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with privacy laws," the statement said. 

The retailer offered no timeline for when its stores may reopen. 

"Recognizing the impact these closures have had on our customers and employees across Western Canada, it remains our priority to continue working around the clock to have all stores fully operational," London Drugs COO and president Clint Mahlman said in the statement Tuesday.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and support during this very difficult time and will provide updates as available."

The company said pharmacists were standing by for urgent needs.

The company's phone lines also remain down, but it said customers can go to their local store in person where staff would be available to assist them.

Canada Post confirmed Monday that offices located inside London Drugs stores are being affected by the closure, but said customers who have parcels waiting for them can collect them at the stores.

If customers have to pay any postage fees, they will have to pay in cash, Canada Post said.

London Drugs, a Richmond, B.C.-based business that opened in 1945, sells everything from pharmaceuticals to groceries and electronics.

The incident facing London Drugs comes a month after discount chain Giant Tiger Stores Ltd. reported some of its customers' data was compromised in an "incident" linked to a third-party vendor it uses.