Rite Aid, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, is preparing to close nearly 100 stores nationwide as part of its restructuring efforts. The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year and plans to exit from bankruptcy soon, funded by $2.55 billion in financing provided by its lenders. As part of its bankruptcy process, Rite Aid is closing more than 150 stores across the US.
The list of initial stores set to close includes 33 Rite Aid stores in New York, including the East Village location at 81 1st Ave., four other locations in the borough, and 20 other stores across the state. Rite Aid has announced it will close 53 more store locations, adding to the roughly 200 it has closed since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last October.
A Brooklyn storefront, located at 960 Halsey St. in Bedford-Stuyvesant, is also closing its doors by May 19. New court documents indicate that the following Big Apple Rite Aid stores will be closed sometime this year: 592 East 183rd Street, Bronx, NY.
Rite Aid’s East Village location at 81 1st Ave. and four other locations in the borough will be spared from closure, but 20 other stores across the state are expected to close. The chain’s restructuring efforts are expected to result in the closure of approximately 30 Rite Aid stores across the US.
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A local pharmacist discusses why so many CVS, Rite Aid and now Walgreens stores could be closing.
What is the Rite Aid scandal?
The US government has filed a complaint alleging that Rite Aid knowingly dispensed at least hundreds of thousands of unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances from May 2014 to June 2019. These prescriptions included the dangerous “trinity” combination of drugs, excessive quantities of opioids, and prescriptions issued by prescribers identified as suspicious. The government claims that Rite Aid filled these prescriptions despite clear “red flags” that indicated the prescriptions were unlawful.
Rite Aid also allegedly ignored substantial evidence of its stores dispensing unlawful prescriptions and intentionally deleted internal notes about suspicious prescribers. The government alleges that Rite Aid violated the CSA and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by knowingly dispensing unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances. The complaint names Rite Aid Corporation, Rite Aid Hdqtrs Corp., Rite Aid of Connecticut Inc., Rite Aid of Delaware Inc., Rite Aid of Maryland, Rite Aid of Michigan, Rite Aid of New Hampshire, Rite Aid of New Jersey, Rite Aid of Ohio, Rite Aid of Pennsylvania, and Rite Aid of Virginia as defendants.
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) is entering into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with Rite Aid, which includes a prescription drug claims review to have an Independent Review Organization determine whether prescription drugs are properly prescribed, dispensed, and billed.
Why does Rite Aid lose money?
Rite Aid is facing financial difficulties due to factors beyond its control, including record inflation, lower insurer payments, higher labor costs, lower demand for COVID vaccines and retail merchandise, higher theft, and the loss of key corporate clients. The chain has long-term leases for no-profit stores, including $80 million a year for closed stores. Rite Aid is relying on bankruptcy to exit these deals. Rumors of bankruptcy have also surfaced after hiring restructuring advisers in late 2022, and suppliers have demanded cash payments upfront instead of waiting for the company to sell their goods.
What state has the most Rite Aid?
As of September 15, 2024, there are 1, 552 Rite Aid pharmacies in the United States, with Pennsylvania having the most locations at 352 pharmacies, accounting for 23 of all the pharmacies. To download a list of Rite Aid pharmacies in the US into Excel, you can use the data store. Pennsylvania has one pharmacy for every 36, 369 people, making it the most populous state with a Rite Aid pharmacy.
Is Rite Aid East Meadow closing?
Rite Aid plans to close 53 more drugstores, including four on Long Island, according to bankruptcy court filings. The retailer has closed hundreds of stores across the country since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. Since last week, the retailer has added 53 more planned store closings in New York, California, Michigan, and five other states. The pharmacy will close on April 22 and the rest on May 17.
What went wrong at Rite Aid?
Rite Aid, the third-largest drugstore chain in the United States, has encountered considerable difficulties as a consequence of prolonged mismanagement and misguided decision-making. The company’s decision to file for bankruptcy in October was precipitated by the accumulation of liabilities associated with lawsuits pertaining to the distribution of opioids and the prevailing challenges within the retail pharmacy sector.
In an article published by The Wall Street Journal, the company’s unfortunate history was detailed, with particular emphasis placed on the significant financial losses incurred over an extended period.
Did Walgreens buy out all Rite Aid’s?
In 2015, Walgreens attempted to buy Rite Aid for $17. 2 billion, but the deal fell through due to the Federal Trade Commission’s refusal to approve it. In June 2017, Walgreens canceled the merger and bought 42 of Rite Aid’s stores for $4. 38 billion. A recent lawsuit accuses Walgreens Boots Alliance of downplaying antitrust regulator scrutiny, with the settlement still requiring approval from a federal judge in Pennsylvania.
Who bought out Rite Aid?
Walgreens Boots Alliance is set to acquire Rite Aid for $17. 2 billion in an all-cash transaction. Rite Aid, founded in 1962, was initially Thrift D Discount Center. The company changed its name to Rite Aid Corporation in 1968 before its IPO on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX). In 1970, its stock moved to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Rite Aid has faced growth, scandals, and deals with Walgreens and Albertsons. In 2015, it acquired Envision Pharmaceutical Services for $2 billion. Former Rite Aid executives admitted to overstating net income between 1997 and 2000.
Why is Rite Aid empty?
Rite Aid, a US drugstore chain, filed for bankruptcy last year due to opioid-related lawsuits, slowing sales, and mounting debt. The company received approval from a bankruptcy court judge to restructure its business, allowing creditors to control it. Rite Aid has closed hundreds of stores to improve operations, with personal hygiene aisles nearly cleared out and household cleaning supplies scarce. The food aisles are hit or miss depending on the type of snack being sought.
How many Rite Aid stores are there in New York?
A total of 181 Rite Aid stores are located within the state of New York.
Why are Rite Aid stores closing in NYC?
In consequence of the declaration of bankruptcy by the Rite Aid chain last year, the company’s stores in New York City are scheduled to cease operations. It is anticipated that the Bronx and Queens locations will cease operations before the end of the year, while a Brooklyn store in Bedford-Stuyvesant is scheduled to close on May 19. The chain’s bankruptcy has resulted in a series of closures across the city.
Why are Rite Aid shelves so empty?
Ten months ago, Rite Aid drugstores in Pittsburgh filed for bankruptcy, precipitating a swift decline in the number of operational stores and a dearth of inventory in those that remained open. The company’s bankruptcy process has resulted in the proliferation of empty shelves in numerous stores, thereby underscoring the necessity for a more efficacious and sustainable business model.
📹 Rite Aid at Bailey and E Delavan set to close; NY AG files objection with bankruptcy court
The Rite Aid at Bailey and East Delavan is one of a dozen stores Rite Aid plans to close across New York State this year.
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