US pharmacy chain Rite Aid has officially closed all of its remaining stores, marking the end of a decades-long presence in the American retail pharmacy sector. The company’s website now displays a message: “All Rite Aid stores have now closed. We thank our loyal customers for their many years of support,” along with a link for customers to request their pharmacy records.

Decline of a Once-Major Chain

Founded in 1962, Rite Aid grew to operate around 5,000 stores at its peak. In recent years, the company faced significant financial struggles, filing for bankruptcy twice—in October 2023 and May 2025—and was the subject of a Justice Department investigation. By the time of closure, fewer than 100 stores remained operational.

Legal Challenges and Settlements

Rite Aid’s legal troubles included allegations related to the opioid epidemic. In 2022, the company agreed to pay up to $30 million to settle lawsuits claiming its pharmacies contributed to the illegal flow of opioids in the US. Additionally, a Justice Department complaint alleged that Rite Aid stores filled unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone and fentanyl, which the company settled in July 2024. The 2023 bankruptcy filing noted that restructuring would help resolve litigation claims.

Broader Trends in US Pharmacy Retail

Rite Aid is not alone in closing stores. CVS has shut more than 1,000 locations since 2021 as part of a strategic overhaul, while Walgreens—recently acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners—closed 500 stores over the past year.

Experts warn that these closures are contributing to the rise of “pharmacy deserts” in the US, leaving millions of Americans without convenient access to pharmacies and forcing many to travel long distances to fill prescriptions.