Rite Aid is in the midst of a rapid collapse, having announced the closure of 95 more stores in 2025, which brings the total closures for the year to 163.
This marks a dramatic shrinkage from approximately 2,000 stores in 2023 to roughly 1,240 locations in May 2025. The closures follow Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October 2023, triggered by unsustainable debt exceeding $2 billion. The company has been selling off pharmacy assets to several competitors in an effort to manage its financial crisis and repay creditors. CVS is the largest buyer, acquiring prescription files from 625 Rite Aid stores across 15 states and planning to purchase 64 physical Rite Aid store locations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle have also purchased various assets. Approximately 13 buyers participated in this “fire sale,” yet nearly 200 stores had no buyers and will close permanently.
The impact is especially severe in states such as Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, Washington, and Connecticut, with specific cities like Pittsburgh, Erie, Butler, Latrobe (PA), Palmdale, Oxnard (CA), Oregon City, Newport, Snoqualmie, and North Bend losing their Rite Aid locations. In some towns, Rite Aid was the sole pharmacy, meaning these closures create “pharmacy deserts,” exacerbating access issues for roughly 48.4 million Americans living in areas with limited or no pharmacy access. The situation is particularly critical in rural and low-income communities where alternative pharmacies are scarce.
In addition to standalone Rite Aid stores, the company’s Bartell Drugs subsidiary, acquired in 2020, is also being dismantled, with two closures announced in Snoqualmie and North Bend, Washington. Many customers report receiving no notification of prescription transfers, leading to confusion and disruption. Landlords in some regions, such as Long Island, have reported that Rite Aid has stopped paying rent and ceased communication, leaving property owners uncertain about future tenancy and lease terms.
The company’s shrinking presence has led to an increase in vacant retail space. In many cases, these locations are being repurposed for businesses like Aldi grocery stores, Boot Barn, Dollar General, medical clinics, marijuana dispensaries, or restaurants. Customers who rely on Rite Aid are advised to check the status of their local stores and verify where their prescriptions have been transferred to avoid interruption of their medication regimens.
Areas Most Affected by Closures
| State | Cities Impacted |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh, Erie, Butler, Latrobe |
| California | Palmdale, Oxnard |
| Oregon | Oregon City, Newport |
| Washington | Snoqualmie, North Bend |
| Connecticut | Hamden, Meriden, other cities |
| Other States | Spread across rural and urban areas |
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