Rite Aid, a popular American pharmacy chain that has been around for more than 60 years, is now going through a tough time. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in two years, and big changes are already being seen in its stores.
As Rite Aid struggles to stay afloat, customers can expect to see shelves emptying out, stores shutting down, and important updates to their rewards, returns, and gift card policies.
Why Is Rite Aid in Trouble?
Rite Aid, like many other pharmacy chains in the US, has been affected by several problems:
- Lower prescription reimbursement rates
- Increasing incidents of shoplifting
- Higher operating costs
- Changes in how customers shop
These issues have pushed Rite Aid into deep financial trouble, leading to its latest bankruptcy filing in May 2025.
What Happens Next for Rite Aid?
Right now, Rite Aid has over 1,240 stores across 15 states, but that number could soon drop. The company is in talks with multiple buyers, hoping to sell some or all of its stores.
If they can’t sell certain locations, Rite Aid will close those stores permanently and sell off items like:
- Prescription records
- Store inventory
- Other assets
As the process continues, distribution centers are also closing, and the company is not restocking shelves, which is why customers may already notice less availability of products.
Can You Still Shop or Get Prescriptions at Rite Aid?
Yes, for now, you can still:
- Fill prescriptions
- Get vaccinations
- Shop in-store or online
Rite Aid has promised that it will help customers transfer prescriptions to nearby pharmacies, though it cannot guarantee that a new pharmacy will be close to your current store.
Policy Changes to Be Aware Of
Due to the bankruptcy process, Rite Aid is also changing several policies that will directly impact customers:
- No more reward points earned: This stopped on May 6, 2025.
- All BonusCash and points will expire according to old terms.
- No returns or exchanges will be accepted starting June 5, 2025.
- Gift cards will not be honored starting June 5, 2025.
Retail expert Dominick Miserandino explains that this is common during bankruptcy and that customers should act fast before their points or cards lose value.
Customer Frustration Is Growing
Some customers have already voiced their concerns. One user, Joe Grumet, shared on Facebook that when he logged into his Rite Aid account, only prescription management was working, and other services were removed.
He wrote: “Everything else is gone. Rite Aid is done folks.”
The Bigger Picture in 2025’s Pharmacy Industry
Rite Aid is not the only pharmacy chain facing difficulties this year. Walgreens has also been closing several stores in 2025. Meanwhile, America’s largest pharmacy chain has announced 270 more store closures, blaming changing customer habits.
Rite Aid’s bankruptcy is another sign of how quickly the retail pharmacy world is changing. With online shopping, cost pressures, and new health habits, traditional drugstores are struggling to keep up.
If you’re a Rite Aid customer, now is the time to use your points, redeem your gift cards, and transfer prescriptions if needed. The company has promised to keep pharmacy services going, but with store sales and shutdowns underway, the experience will definitely not be the same.