Rite Aid Closes All Remaining Stores After Bankruptcy Filing
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Rite Aid, the national pharmacy retailer, has officially closed down all its stores. This decision comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2025. The closure announcement was made on the company’s website, expressing gratitude to loyal customers for their years of support. Former customers are directed to the website to locate a new pharmacy and request their pharmacy records.
As of September 30, Rite Aid operated 89 stores across 78 cities, according to data from ScrapeHero. This closure follows a previous round of shutdowns in October 2023 when 154 stores were closed. Rite Aid CEO, Matt Schroeder, stated in May that the company was working on a strategic sale process for most of its assets to maximize value. Ensuring continuous pharmacy services for customers and preserving jobs for employees were highlighted as top priorities during this transition period.
Indeed, Schroeder recently announced his move to a new role as the Chief Financial Officer for Spotless Brands, marking a shift in leadership for the company. Rite Aid’s journey traces back to its founding in 1962 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where it grew to over 5,000 stores at its peak. However, in recent years, the number of operating locations had dwindled significantly. By May 2025, only 1,240 stores were operational across 15 states.
The pharmaceutical retail landscape in the United States has witnessed a broader trend of store closures, with nearly a third of drugstores shutting down between 2010 and 2021. Major players like CVS and Walgreens have also been impacted, with around 1,000 of their stores closing in recent years. Rite Aid’s decision to auction off its in-house ice cream brand, Thrifty Ice Cream, further underscores the company’s strategic shifts amidst financial challenges.
With the closure of all remaining stores, former Rite Aid customers are advised to transfer their prescriptions and records to alternative pharmacies. The impact of these closures on local communities, employee job security, and healthcare access remains a point of concern. As the retail industry continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring the dynamics of the pharmacy sector and its implications for consumers.
In conclusion, Rite Aid’s closure of all stores marks a significant chapter in its corporate journey, reflecting broader industry trends and economic challenges. The legacy of the brand, built over decades of operations, now transitions into a new phase. The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, prompting stakeholders to adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences. Amidst these transformations, the focus remains on ensuring continuity of essential services and supporting the well-being of communities across the nation.