Multiple indications indicate that Rite Aid's pharmacy chain plans to shut down over 300 stores in Ohio and Michigan within the next few weeks.
According to a bankruptcy filing reported by WTOL in Toledo, Philadelphia-based Rite Aid is set to close an additional 27 stores across two states.
Ohio Capital-Journal reports that this move is part of a larger plan the company outlined last October when it filed for bankruptcy protection, involving the closure of 200 of its 2,000 stores.
Rite Aid Closures Confirmed in Ohio and Michigan
A pharmacist from Rite Aid in Ohio, who wished to remain anonymous due to restrictions on speaking with the media, confirmed to the Capital Journal on Thursday that the company is set to close several of its stores in Ohio and Michigan. '
The pharmacist mentioned that during a conference call on Monday, it was announced that most stores in these two states would be shutting down, with only a few exceptions. According to Crains Cleveland, employees have been asked to continue working until the stores officially close.
Additionally, Bled Tanoe, an Oklahoma-based pharmacist known for advocating safer working conditions, shared a document on Facebook under the Walgreens letterhead.
This document, which Tanoe posted on Monday, outlines that starting in late June, pharmacy patient prescription files and related inventory from nearly all Rite Aid locations in Michigan and Ohio will automatically transfer to nearby Walgreens stores.
According to the document, the Rite Aid pharmacies will close in stages, and the transfers will happen the morning following each store's final day of business. Tanoe did not immediately reply to inquiries about the source of this document.
The closures include pharmacies in 15 Ohio towns: Ashtabula, Defiance, Coshocton, Wheelersburg, St. Mary's, and Tiffin. In Michigan, 12 towns are affected, including Ludington, Wyandotte, Spring Lake, Bay City, Burton, and Flint.
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Concerns Mount Over Rite Aid Store Closures
As The U.S. Sun reported, Tanoe expressed deep concern for the pharmacists, technicians, and patients affected by the upcoming Rite Aid store closures. In a recent social media post, Tanoe shared his emotional and mental exhaustion, highlighting the significant effects these closures will have on the community.
At the end of his heartfelt post, Tanoe urged his readers to support those affected by the closures. This plea comes after Rite Aid decided to shut down additional stores following their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last October.
Rite Aid has stated that it regularly evaluates its retail operations to maintain efficiency and meet the needs of its customers and business. As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the company informed the court about its decision to close certain underperforming stores to reduce rental expenses and improve financial stability.
The closures affected Michigan and Ohio and spread to other states, including Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
According to Detroit Free Press, Philadelphia-based Rite Aid, originally founded in 1968, it announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this August.
The company's expansion through acquisitions peaked with over 5,000 stores in 2008, but it has since declined to about 1,700 due to a heavy debt load and numerous opioid lawsuits. Rite Aid's growth included notable entries into Michigan in 1984.
However, attempts to merge with larger chains like Walgreens in 2015 and Albertson's in 2018 failed, further straining its financial stability.
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