Rite Aid is back in the headlines and not for good reason as the national pharmacy chain has officially filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time and is now preparing for 68 more stores closures across the U.S. this month, bringing the list of total number of recent closures to nearly 800.
What’s Happening at Rite Aid?
On May 5, 2025, Rite Aid entered another round of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as it continues to battle mounting financial pressure, shifting consumer habits, and legal woes related to opioid litigation. While Rite Aid once operated over 2,400 stores, it now has just 1,240 locations left – and that number is shrinking fast.
The company has emphasized that it’s doing everything it can to ensure customers continue to access their prescriptions and essential healthcare services, even as physical stores disappear.
CEO Matt Schroeder acknowledged the difficult decision, saying, “While we have continued to face financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes, we are encouraged by meaningful interest from potential acquirers. Our priority remains serving our communities and retaining as many jobs as possible.”
Which Stores Are Closing in May?
Seven states and Washington D.C. are bearing the brunt of the latest round of closures. Pennsylvania is the hardest hit, losing 44 stores alone. Here’s a breakdown of confirmed closures by state:
California
- Torrance, Olivehurst, Pasadena, Riverside, Santa Monica, San Jose, San Diego, and more (21 total)
Connecticut
- Cheshire, Danbury, Naugatuck (3 total)
Massachusetts
- Clinton (1 total)
New Hampshire
- Bristol, Pittsfield, Exeter, Peterborough, Keene (5 total)
New Jersey
- Neptune, Sicklerville (2 total)
New York
- Brooklyn, Buffalo, Ridgewood, Woodside, Salamanca (7 total)
Oregon
- Ontario, Lincoln City, Hood River, Baker City, Bandon, Seaside, and others (13 total)
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Huntingdon Valley, and 40+ other locations (44 total)
Virginia
- Lawrenceville, Scottsville, Greenville, Grottoes (4 total)
Washington
- Snoqualmie, Kingston, Yelm, Anacortes, and others (8 total)
What’s Next?
These closures add to a wave of contraction across the pharmacy industry. Rite Aid and Walgreens are among the top players cutting locations – and with the retail pharmacy model under pressure from both e-commerce and insurance-driven consolidation, this could be just the beginning.
More troubling, Rite Aid has not paid rent on several locations, including high-profile stores on Long Island. Landlords say communication has dropped off, and real estate owners like Basser Kaufman and MGD Investments are now evaluating alternate uses for their spaces, signaling a permanent shift in the retail landscape.
Adding to the pressure, all 178 remaining Rite Aid stores in New York state are expected to close in the near future – with 18 on Long Island alone.
What Customers Should Know
If you rely on Rite Aid for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or in-store health services, it’s time to explore alternatives:
- Transfer your prescriptions to a nearby competitor like CVS or Walgreens
- Use digital access tools via the Rite Aid app or website to check store status
- Contact customer service to confirm continuity of care
Final Thoughts
Rite Aid’s long and complicated decline continues to unfold. As the company works to stabilize through asset sales and restructuring, communities across the country are left scrambling to adjust. While the brand hopes to emerge leaner and stronger, the scale of these closures paints a stark picture of the pharmacy’s struggle to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
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