Rite Aid files for bankruptcy. 2 Boise-area stores already have closed. Will more follow?
Rite Aid is preparing to shutter more stores nationwide, after closing two Meridian stores since August. But the retailer isn’t saying whether any more Boise-area stores may close.
The pharmacy chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, citing declining sales and costs associated with more than a thousand lawsuits that claim the company filled illegal prescriptions for opioids and other painkillers.
It was unclear whether any Rite Aid locations in the Treasure Valley would be affected by closures, staff reductions, reduced hours, the inability to complete some prescriptions, or fewer goods on store shelves.
“In connection with the court-supervised process, we intend to close certain underperforming stores to further reduce rent expense and strengthen overall financial performance,” a Rite Aid spokesperson said by email. “Rite Aid regularly assesses its retail footprint to ensure we are operating efficiently while meeting the needs of our customers, communities and associates.”
The chain operates more than 2,000 stores across 17 states and has closed several in the past few months, including the Meridian stores at 3520 S. Eagle Road, the southeast corner of Eagle and Victory roads; and 1600 N. Main St., in a shopping center south of Fairview Avenue. The Eagle Road store opened in 2017 and was remodeled in 2021.
A spokesperson for the company did not immediately respond to questions from the Idaho Statesman on Monday. Employees at seven stores called by the Idaho Statesman on Monday declined to comment publicly. Some referred a reporter to a regional manager, who said Rite Aid was not ready to release any information.
Rite Aid’s store locator lists seven stores in the Treasure Valley, including six in Boise:
1515 W. State St., Boise
1100 Vista Ave., Boise
7020 W. State St., Boise
660 E. Boise Ave., Boise
5005 W. Overland Road, Boise
10600 Fairview Ave., Boise
2107 Blaine St., Caldwell
Rite Aid planned to merge with Albertsons, the Boise grocery retailer, in 2017, but the deal fell apart a year later as the drugstore chain struggled with competition from larger competitors Walgreens and CVS.
In 2021, the company remodeled its flagship Boise store at 1515 W. State St., as well as its stores on Boise Avenue and in Meridian. Rite Aid spent about $500,000 on each remodel, the Statesman reported then.
Earlier this year, a pharmacist at the Rite Aid on Vista Avenue refused to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to a Boise man with psoriatic arthritis. That customer said constant staff shortages at the 1515 W. State St. store often forced the pharmacy to close early, and customers weren’t getting their prescriptions in a timely manner.
This story was originally published October 16, 2023 at 7:05 PM.
