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As part of its ongoing bankruptcy process, According to NBC4I, Rite Aid has announced it will be closing 117 of its 121 stores in Ohio by the end of September 2024. The move is part of a larger effort to downsize the company’s retail footprint and restructure financially.
Remaining Rite Aid Locations in Ohio
Only four Rite Aid locations in Ohio will remain open after the closures:
- 419 Claremont Ave., Ashland
- 1045 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge
- 735 N. Water St., Uhrichsville
- 1955 Cleveland Rd., Wooster
Why Rite Aid Is Closing Stores in Ohio
The closures are linked to Rite Aid’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2023. As part of the legal process, the company was required to undergo a retail sale process, which opened the opportunity for prospective buyers to bid on parts of the business. Unfortunately, this led to the decision to exit markets in Ohio and Michigan.
Impact on Communities and Customers
Concerns have been raised about the impact on communities, especially in areas where the closing Rite Aid locations are the only pharmacies. Many customers worry about the challenges of accessing prescriptions and essential healthcare supplies after the closures.
A pharmacist from Ohio revealed that told the Ohio Capital Journal that employees were informed of the store closures in June, expressing concerns about the strain on local residents . Similar closures in Michigan have already left customers feeling heartbroken and uncertain about the future of their healthcare access.
Future Store Closures and Rite Aid’s Recovery Plan
Rite Aid plans to close a total of 300 stores across two states, with the company focusing on becoming financially and operationally healthy. While these decisions are necessary for the business, the impact on local communities is significant, as residents adjust to life without these pharmacies.
