Rite Aid closes store in Milton-Freewater

By on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER –Rite Aid has confirmed its Milton-Freewater pharmacy at 105 S.W. Second Ave. will close at 7 p.m. today (Tuesday) as part of the company’s bankruptcy process. Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy in October to restructure itself after falling sales and opioid-related lawsuits.

“In connection with the court-supervised process, we notified the court of certain under-performing stores we are closing to further reduce rent expenses and strengthen overall financial performance,” Rite Aid Public Relations Manager Catherine Carter said.

As for customers of the Milton-Freewater location, Carter said Rite Aid has been working to transfer pharmacy-based health services, whether at another Rite Aid or nearby pharmacy.

Milton-Freewater City Manager Linda Hall said the city received notice of Rite Aid’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 13, but was not given any further details. Hall said other than the pharmacy at the Milton-Freewater Safeway, residents of Milton-Freewater will have to travel to College Place or Walla Walla for pharmacy-based health services.

Elkhorn Media Group did inquire about the future of the Pendleton and Walla Walla Rite Aid stores.

“At this time, we have not made or confirmed any decisions on additional specific store closures as part of our restructuring process,” Carter added.

MyCB photo by Dan Thesman