Hy-Vee, Inc., announced on Friday it has acquired the business of 22 closing Shopko pharmacies in 17 cities in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Included are the pharmacy locations in Austin, Albert Lea and Mankato, among others.

The announcement came a week after the Wisconsin-based retail chain said it would close 39 store locations in 19 states. Two Minnesota locations, in Mahnomen and Paynesville, will be closed.

“As we continue to grow our pharmacy business, we pride ourselves on providing an excellent experience to our customers,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman of the board, CEO and president, in a press release. “We provide customized care for each person who walks through our door. Our pharmacists will go above and beyond to provide numerous services to our patients so we can help them understand and assist with caring for their specific health care needs.”

Staff at the Austin Shopko pharmacy could not comment on the closure. The Herald made an inquiry to Shopko Public Relations Manager Michelle Hansen; however, no response was received by press time.

All impacted Shopko pharmacy patients will receive a letter from their new Hy-Vee Pharmacy with additional details. Austin Shopko Pharmacy customers will have their prescriptions transferred to the Hy-Vee pharmacy at 1307 18th Ave. NW on Jan. 9.

Those Austin Shopko pharmacy customers who want their prescriptions to be sent to another pharmacy are asked to call 507-437-9185 by Jan. 7.