Rite Aid Bankruptcy 2025: Store Closures, Prescription Transfers & What It Means for You

After years of financial turmoil, Rite Aid has officially filed for bankruptcy for the second time – filing in May 2025, just months after emerging from its previous restructuring. The once-prominent pharmacy chain is now closing all of its stores—including its online operations—and selling off assets to competitors. Here’s what you need to know about the Rite Aid bankruptcy, especially if you’re a Rite Aid pharmacy customer, and what to do if you have  Rite Aid gift cards.

Table of Contents

• Rite Aid’s Second Bankruptcy Filing
• Why Chapter 11 Instead of Chapter 7?
• Nationwide Store Closures
• Can You Still Shop in Rite Aid Stores?
• Who’s Buying Rite Aid’s Assets?
• Can You Still Access Pharmacy Services?
• Gift Cards, Rewards, and Returns
• Impact on Rite Aid Customers
• Rite Aid Bankruptcy FAQ

Rite Aid’s Second Bankruptcy Filing

On May 5, 2025, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than two years. This comes after a prior October 2023 filing that aimed to reduce $2 billion in debt. Although the company briefly emerged from bankruptcy in September 2024, it has struggled to recover in a competitive retail environment.

Why Chapter 11 Instead of Chapter 7?

Even though Rite Aid is closing all its stores, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy—not Chapter 7. Here’s the difference:

So why Chapter 11 vs Chapter 7 if they are still closing? It lets Rite Aid keep more control and:

• Sell prescription files to companies like CVS and Walgreens without interruptions
• Give customers time to move prescriptions and access care
• Handle employees, leases, contracts, and debt in a more controlled way vs a court appointee overseeing a liquidation

Even though the end result is the same—Rite Aid is closing for good—Chapter 11 makes the process smoother for everyone involved, including customers and employees.

Nationwide Store Closures

As part of its bankruptcy process, Rite Aid is closing all of its remaining physical and online stores. A recent court filing reveals plans to shut down 95 additional stores across six states, with over 70 in Pennsylvania alone. In total, more than 210 stores are on the closure list.

Can You Still Shop in Rite Aid Stores?

Yes—but only for a limited time. Rite Aid stores are still open in many locations while the company completes the process of selling off assets and closing stores. This means customers can still:

• Shop for over-the-counter medications and essentials
• Pick up prescriptions and receive immunizations
• Use in-store services like pharmacy consultations (until closure)

However, availability of products may be limited as store inventory winds down, and each store may close on a different timeline. Customers are encouraged to shop soon and follow posted notices or call their local store for updates.

Important: Returns, exchanges, rewards, and gift card usage will be discontinued after June 5, 2025, regardless of store hours.

Who’s Buying Rite Aid’s Assets?

To generate funds and ensure continuity of care, Rite Aid is selling off key pharmacy assets to major competitors. This includes both physical stores and prescription files.

• Over 1,000 prescription files are being sold and transferred.
• Buyers include CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Giant Eagle.
• CVS is acquiring 625 prescription files and taking over 64 physical Rite Aid store locations, particularly in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

This transition is designed to preserve access to pharmacy services for customers even as Rite Aid winds down operations.

Can You Still Access Pharmacy Services?

Yes—but only temporarily. Customers can continue to use pharmacy services at open Rite Aid stores for a limited time during the transition period. These services include:

• Prescription refills
• Immunizations and vaccinations
• Consultation with pharmacists

Rite Aid is working closely with new pharmacy providers to facilitate seamless prescription transfers. Customers should check with their local store or new provider for updates on how and when their prescriptions will be moved.

Gift Cards, Rewards, and Returns

• May 6, 2025: Rite Aid Rewards points and BonusCash will no longer be issued.
• June 5, 2025: Rite Aid gift cards will no longer be accepted, and all returns/exchanges will be discontinued.

Customers should use any remaining rewards or gift balances before these deadlines.

Impact on Rite Aid Customers

Here’s a summary of what Rite Aid customers can expect during the company’s wind-down:

• The online store is permanently shut down—no new orders will be accepted.
• Gift cards and rewards programs are being phased out.
• Returns and exchanges are no longer accepted after June 5, 2025.
• Prescriptions are being automatically transferred to nearby pharmacies.

Rite Aid Bankruptcy FAQ

Is Rite Aid closing all of its stores in 2025?

Yes. Rite Aid is closing all remaining locations, both physical and online, as part of its bankruptcy process.

Can I still refill my prescriptions at Rite Aid?

Yes, but only while your local store remains open. Prescriptions are being transferred to other pharmacies to maintain continuity of care.

Will Rite Aid accept gift cards or returns?

Only until June 5, 2025. After that date, returns, exchanges, and gift card redemptions will no longer be honored.

What happens to my Rite Aid Rewards points?

Points and BonusCash will expire under standard terms and no new rewards will be issued after May 6, 2025.

How will I know where my prescriptions are going?

You’ll receive communication from Rite Aid or the new pharmacy provider handling your prescriptions. Contact your local store or pharmacy directly for updates.

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