In 2023, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy and thus, many stores across the country closed their doors, including here at the home in Pittsburgh. In the wake of the restructuring, all but four stores remain in Ohio and in Michigan, all Rite Aids have closed their doors.
In the Fall of 2023, many stores in our region shuttered after the bankruptcy, including the one closest to me on US 30 across from Wal-Mart. That Rite Aid was once an Eckerd that was bought out by the chain in 2007. It’s rumored that Sheetz is supposed to build a location where that Rite Aid was, but nothing has happened yet.
Rite Aid emerged from bankruptcy in late 2024, but several months later have gone back into Chapter 11. It’s possible that this may be the final nail in the coffin for the longtime pharmacy chain based out of Philadelphia.
For me, this is yet another link to my WIS days that will likely be going away sooner, if not later. Earlier in the year, Joann Fabrics announced that all of their stores would be closing. Rite Aids were a big part of my WIS years, especially early on. I was part of a dedicated team doing four stores a week most of the time on top of our big events (Lowes, JoAnn Fabrics, JCPenney). Being on Rite Aid didn’t come without growing pains though and I worked with quite a few personalities there and at other stores. Despite the drama, I was still happy to be part of a team. Signs of my past are really starting to fade away, with Century III Mall being torn down, Pittsburgh Mills hanging on by a thread, and stores like Party City and JoAnn Fabrics are going away. Can’t forget the passing of Hartley King, either. Who knows how much longer the three remaining Kings stay open?
We are truly experiencing the end of an era.
Stylish 🍒 