You walk into your neighborhood Rite Aid for what might be the last time. The shelves are half-empty, the lights dimmer than usual, and one thing stands out: there are no clearance prices. Despite the looming closure, the prices remain unchanged. It’s a quiet, eerie farewell to a store that’s been part of your weekly routine.
Let’s talk about what’s happening—and what you should do next.
Rite Aid’s ongoing struggles lead to massive closures
In May, Rite Aid filed for its second bankruptcy in two years. Since then, the company has confirmed that more than 360 stores across the U.S. are set to close, according to court documents as of early June. Just last week, a fourth round of closures proposed over 110 more locations in 12 states.
It’s part of a broader effort to reduce costs and reshape the company as it faces mounting debt and declining sales. Rite Aid once operated thousands of locations; now, almost every one of its remaining 1,240 stores is up for sale.
When will your store close?
That depends. Rite Aid hasn’t shared a full public timeline, but in many areas, local officials have received closure notices. In New York, for example, state WARN filings indicate closures starting June 4, though that might just be the beginning of the wind-down process.
In Bakersfield, California, one location is set to close by July 1, according to KGET. Rite Aid has already said that June 4 will be the final day to return items or process exchanges, and June 5 is the last day to use gift cards, coupons, or rewards.
So if you’ve been holding onto a coupon or rewards balance, now is the time to use it.
What happens to your prescriptions?
Even if your local Rite Aid is on the chopping block, your pharmacy care shouldn’t be disrupted. Rite Aid is working to transfer prescriptions to nearby pharmacies, and major chains like CVS and Walgreens are stepping in to absorb the customer base.
CVS has already agreed to acquire 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Walgreens, meanwhile, is buying prescription files from Rite Aid locations in nine states.
If your pharmacy is closing, it’s a good idea to talk directly with your pharmacist. Ask:
- Where will your prescriptions be sent?
- Does the new pharmacy accept your insurance?
- Can you get a 90-day supply or use a mail-order option?
Being proactive now can help you avoid any last-minute medication issues later.
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What’s next for the brand—and for you?
There’s no clear answer yet on whether Rite Aid will survive long-term. The company is in bankruptcy court, trying to sell off stores and restructure. Some storefronts may reopen under CVS, Walgreens, or even independent pharmacy ownership.
In the meantime, if your local Rite Aid is closing, take a walk through the aisles while you still can—but don’t expect a big sale. And more importantly, make sure your prescriptions are secure and your health care isn’t interrupted.
