Rite Aid, once a prominent name in American pharmacy retail, has officially closed all of its remaining 1,240 stores nationwide. This marks the end of a 63-year presence in the U.S. retail landscape.
The closures follow two bankruptcy filings—one in 2023 and another in May 2025—and come amid mounting financial challenges, legal issues, and intensified competition from larger pharmacy chains.
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Financial troubles lead to second bankruptcy
In May 2025, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than two years.
The company cited over $2.5 billion in liabilities and ongoing legal disputes, including accusations from the US Justice Department of unlawfully filling prescriptions for opioids such as oxycodone and fentanyl, as major factors contributing to its financial instability.
Despite efforts to restructure and reduce debt, Rite Aid was unable to recover, leading to the decision to close all remaining stores.
Impact on communities and healthcare access
The closure of Rite Aid stores has left significant gaps in community healthcare access, particularly in areas where the chain was a primary provider of prescription medications.
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By GlobalDataIn cities like Buffalo, New York, residents now face difficulties obtaining essential medications.
To assist affected customers, Rite Aid has directed them to its website to access past prescription and immunisation records and to find new pharmacy locations.
Sale of assets and brand dissolution
As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, Rite Aid sold its Thrifty Ice Cream brand to Hilrod Holdings for $19.2 million.
Additionally, the company transferred prescription files from over 600 locations to CVS and other pharmacy chains. These asset sales were part of efforts to liquidate remaining holdings and settle debts. With the final store closures,
Rite Aid has ceased all retail operations, marking the end of an era for the once-thriving pharmacy chain.
