Rite Aid, once known for its extensive network of pharmacies, is set to close all remaining stores across the United States. This decision follows the company’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and its Chapter 11 filing in October 2023. Shoppers and employees alike are preparing for the final wind-down of operations, which is expected to wrap up by mid-2025.
Rite Aid has already shut down hundreds of locations over the past year, citing mounting debt and multiple lawsuits tied to the opioid crisis. Have you noticed stores in your region posting closing signs or hosting liquidation sales? That’s part of a nationwide trend aiming to resolve the company’s financial obligations. While Rite Aid has not released an exact closure timeline for all sites, court records point to a complete exit from physical retail by next year.
Which states are facing the largest number of Rite Aid store closures this season and next
According to the chain’s most recent data, it has 1,240 active stores. However, these numbers are dropping fast. Take a look at the states with the highest concentration of locations:
- California: 347
- Pennsylvania: 345
- New York: 178
- Washington: 95
- New Jersey: 60
In California alone, nearly 200 stores have already shut down or announced closure plans. Pennsylvania and New York, meanwhile, have also begun widespread liquidations.
How the wave of store closures is expected to unfold from now through 2025
Closures will roll out in stages, with some shops closing immediately and others following later. Many have already stopped offering pharmacy services, transferring prescription records to other providers like CVS and Walgreens. Check with your local Rite Aid if you need to pick up pending prescriptions, because these transfers can happen without direct notice. Below is an overview of the anticipated closure schedule:
| Closure Wave | Estimated Timeline | Key Action Points |
|---|---|---|
| Wave 1 | May – June 2025 | Immediate closure, liquidation |
| Wave 2 | July – September 2025 | Final pharmacy transfers |
Keep in mind that actual dates vary based on lease agreements and local factors.
Why Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filing ended in a complete exit from physical store operations
Despite attempts to sell off certain branches or merge with competitors, no viable buyer stepped forward. Matt Schroeder, CEO of Rite Aid, said the company is committed to a smooth wind-down, including ensuring pharmacy records find new homes. This move effectively ends Rite Aid’s role as a retail pharmacy provider after decades in business.
Customers relying on Rite Aid for prescriptions or vaccinations should switch to another pharmacy soon. If you have personal records stored at a closing site, contact customer service or visit your store before it shuts down completely.