Rite Aid is Closing 53 More Stores - What You Need to Know

Rite Aid is shuttering 53 more stores in a new wave of closures. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in October 2023, said it is doing this as part of a plan aimed to address the company's high debt burden. The restructuring plan involved closing underperforming locations to reduce expenses and improve overall financial health.

Previously, Rite Aid announced closures in phases:

• October 2023: An initial list of 154 stores were slated for closure.
• November & January 2024: Additional rounds of closures were announced.
• April 2024: The company announced it is shuttering another 53 stores across nine states.

If Rite Aid is your go-to store to save on everyday essentials, here’s a breakdown of what’s happening with the drug store and how it might impact you.

With a history dating back to 1962, Rite Aid has been a trusted name in pharmacy services.The company opened its first full-service pharmacy in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew to operate a network of roughly 1,700 locations across 16 states.

The company’s recent wave of store closures is a culmination of financial struggles that have been brewing for years.

In the months leading to bankruptcy, Rite Aid hemorrhaged money. Regulatory filings revealed a staggering net loss of over $1 billion, significantly higher than the previous year.

Massive debt burdens and fierce competition from larger rivals like CVS and Walgreens added to the company’s financial downturn.

Now as the company aims to streamline operations and emerge stronger financially, the closures can cause inconvenience for customers who rely on their local Rite Aid pharmacy.

If you rely on Rite Aid for your medications, you might be wondering if your local store is affected by the closures.

Unfortunately, Rite Aid isn't publicly sharing a list of closing stores. The best way to confirm your store's status is to call them directly.

While Rite Aid says they'll try to transfer customers to nearby stores, the closures could still cause disruptions. The best way to find out for sure if your local Rite Aid is on the closure list is to contact them directly. You can call the store to check.

If your store is closing, gather all the necessary information about your prescriptions. This includes:

• Medication names, dosages, and quantities
• Doctor's name and contact information
• Prescription numbers (if available)
• Insurance information

Having this information readily available will streamline the transfer process to a new pharmacy.

• Research nearby pharmacies and compare factors like location, hours of operation, and most importantly, if they accept your insurance plan. Consider online reviews to get a sense of customer service and wait times.
• Once you've chosen a new pharmacy, talk to your current Rite Aid pharmacist about transferring your prescriptions. They can initiate the transfer process electronically or provide you with a paper transfer form to bring to your new pharmacy.
• Set up automatic refill reminders for your prescriptions at your new pharmacy. This will help ensure you don't run out of medication unexpectedly.

By taking these steps proactively, you can minimize disruption to your healthcare routine and ensure a smooth transition to a new pharmacy, even if your local Rite Aid closes.

Remember, taking charge of your healthcare needs is important, especially during times of change. By staying informed and exploring your options, you can avoid making mistakes, like accidentally overpaying for prescriptions, and ensure a smooth transition to a new pharmacy

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Editor's Note: Generative AI tools helped write this story.