Almost entirely bare shelves and an empty pharmacy department was the sight for customers entering the Rite Aid in Coronado on the last day of July.
Bearing storefront discounts and closing signs, the Rite Aid at 836 Orange Ave. will cease all operations Sunday, Aug. 24, following its pharmacy department closing on Wednesday, July 30.
This closure comes months after Rite Aid Corporation filed bankruptcy in May that led to a series of sale agreements and pharmacy services transition agreements for over 1,000 chain locations.
“For more than 60 years, Rite Aid has been a proud provider of pharmacy services and products to our loyal customers,” said Matt Schroeder, chief executive officer of Rite Aid, in a statement on May 5. “As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.”
With the closure of Rite Aid, Coronado has two pharmacies left, including Walgreens and Sharp’s Community Pharmacy and Travel Clinic.
The drugstore company announced on May 15 it was selling pharmacy assets to CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, Giant Eagle and other operators.
“These agreements ensure our pharmacy customers will experience a smooth transition while preserving jobs for some of our valued team members,” added Schroeder.
Coronado medications move to CVS
As of Aug. 1, Rite Aid’s website says 78 of its 354 Rite Aid stores in the United States are based in California.
Although the pharmacy department at its Coronado location closed on July 30, merchandise is being sold until the entire store closes in late August.
CVS Pharmacy at 402 5th Ave. is where prescriptions from the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Coronado are being transferred, according to Rite Aid’s Pharmacy Closure and Transfer List.
