Rite Aid identifies 6 additional stores in New Hampshire for closure as it reduces operations

Rite Aid to Close More Stores in New Hampshire

Rite Aid has announced the closure of six additional stores in New Hampshire as the struggling pharmacy chain continues its efforts to downsize its operations nationwide.

The stores set to close include locations in Hillsboro, Jaffray, Littleton, Meredith, Newport, and Winchester, as indicated in recent federal bankruptcy court filings seen by local union leaders.

With these closures, the number of Rite Aid stores in New Hampshire will nearly reach 14.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last May, planning to cease many of its operations while seeking buyers for its remaining assets, which include store leases.

So far, the closing stores have been identified in Bristol, Durham, Exeter, Keene, Lee, Lincoln, Northhampton, Peterborough, and Pittsfield.

This move could pose significant challenges for residents in rural areas who depend on Rite Aid for their prescriptions and pharmacy services.

Mid State Health, a federally qualified community health center based in Plymouth, noted that patients in Bristol and Lincoln already face limited pharmacy options and advised customers to prepare for the closures by finding alternatives.

“I think it will have a dramatic negative impact,” commented Mid State Health CEO Bob MacLeod while addressing union leaders in Bristol.

According to McLeod, residents might have to travel south to Tilton or back to Plymouth for their pharmacy needs. In response to the situation, Mid State is looking into providing pharmacy services at their health centers in Bristol and Lincoln.

While places like Plymouth still have options such as CVS, Hannaford, Walmart, and Mid State’s pharmacies, McLeod cautioned that accessing medications is increasingly challenging in parts of rural New Hampshire.

The company assured customers that pharmacy services would continue during the bankruptcy process.

“Our primary focus is to make sure our loyal customers receive the pharmacy services and care they need without interruptions,” stated CEO Matt Schroeder.

After emerging from Chapter 11 reorganization in 2024, Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy protection again last year due to ongoing financial issues.

As they downsize, many stores are experiencing limited inventory, with shelves increasingly bare.

“When a rural community loses its only pharmacy, it doesn’t merely lose a store; it loses part of its medical infrastructure,” remarked Dr. Amar Rewari, chief of radiation oncology at Luminis Health.

He added that even small obstacles can lead patients to delay medication refills or forget to take their prescriptions, especially for chronic conditions.