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Rite Aid, once a Pennsylvania institution, has officially left its home state. The final Grindstone location in Fayette County closed on August 22nd, marking the end of an era. While the company website briefly listed four remaining stores as of September 5th, reports indicate these locations were also shuttered.
This closure follows Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May, its second such filing since October 2023. The company is currently in the process of selling off its assets, including prescriptions and inventory.
Founded in Scranton in 1962 as Thrif D Discount Center, Rite Aid rose to become the nation’s third-largest drugstore chain by the 1980s. However, the company has struggled financially for years, facing challenges such as a geographically clustered store distribution and allegations of contributing to the opioid crisis. The recent bankruptcy filing accelerated store closures across the country.
Rite Aid’s departure exacerbates Pennsylvania’s growing “pharmacy desert” problem, leaving some residents with limited access to vital prescription services.
Former Rite Aid customers can locate their transferred prescriptions by entering their 5-digit zip code on the Rite Aid website. CVS has confirmed acquiring prescriptions from 173 Pennsylvania Rite Aid locations, with the final acquisitions completed on August 8th.