Additional Coverage:
- 10 Drugstore Chains That No Longer Exist (cheapism.com)
Remember the days before every corner had a CVS or Walgreens? Once upon a time, America’s drugstore landscape was far more diverse. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back and revisit 10 defunct pharmacy chains you might remember.
Revco
- Founded: 1956
- Shuttered: 1997
- Peak Locations: ~2,500
Starting in Ohio and expanding into the Southeast, Revco declared bankruptcy in the 1980s before being acquired by CVS for a cool $2.8 billion.
Eckerd Pharmacy
- Founded: 1898
- Shuttered: 2007
- Peak Locations: ~2,800
A ubiquitous presence in the Southeast, particularly Florida and Texas, Eckerd eventually met its demise when it was absorbed by Rite Aid.
Rexall
- Founded: 1903
- Shuttered: 1985
- Peak Locations: ~12,000
Initially operating under the United Drug Stores cooperative based in Boston, Rexall boasted locations nationwide, even operating a “Rexall Train” during the Great Depression. A decline in the 1970s led to its eventual closure, though a few franchised locations still exist.
Thrifty & Pay Less
- Founded: 1929 & 1932
- Shuttered: 1994
- Peak Locations: ~500 & ~200
Originating in Los Angeles, Thrifty expanded to 500 stores before merging with Payless Drug Stores to become Thrifty PayLess. This union was short-lived, as Rite Aid acquired the combined company just two years later. Fun fact: Thrifty ice cream, a beloved treat, can still be found at Rite Aid.
Long’s Drugs
- Founded: 1938
- Shuttered: 2008
- Peak Locations: ~500
A dominant force on the West Coast and in Hawaii, Long’s was eventually acquired by CVS on the mainland, but the name persists in Hawaii.
Adams Drug Company
- Founded: 1932
- Shuttered: 1986
- Peak Locations: ~500
Popular throughout New England, having originated in Rhode Island, Adams Drug transitioned into Brooks Pharmacy before finally being acquired by Rite Aid in 2007.
Drug Emporium
- Founded: 1977
- Shuttered: 2003
- Peak Locations: ~300
Drug Emporium held a strong presence in the Midwest but filed for bankruptcy in 2001, disappearing almost entirely a few years later.
Fay’s Drug
- Founded: 1958
- Shuttered: 1997
- Peak Locations: ~270
A mainstay of Upstate New York, Fay’s was acquired by JCPenney in the mid-1990s, with locations subsequently converted into either CVS or Rite Aid depending on their region.
Perry Drug Stores
- Founded: 1957
- Shuttered: 1995
- Peak Locations: ~200
Michigan’s leading pharmacy chain in the 1980s, Perry Drug Stores was eventually acquired by Rite Aid in 1995.
Arbor Drug
- Founded: 1963
- Shuttered: 1998
- Peak Locations: ~200
Another major player in the Michigan pharmacy scene, Arbor Drug was acquired by CVS for $1.4 billion.
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- 10 Drugstore Chains That No Longer Exist (cheapism.com)