For decades, the Rite Aid in Newman has been a go-to stop for last-minute prescriptions, greeting cards, and cold remedies. Now, as its doors prepare to close for good, loyal customers find themselves asking: Where do we go from here?
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is in the process of closing hundreds of stores nationwide. The company, which has struggled financially in recent years, cited mounting debt and challenges in the retail and healthcare industries as key reasons for the bankruptcy filing.
As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Rite Aid has announced plans to sell or shutter all of its remaining locations, with some stores already undergoing liquidation sales. The closures mark the final phase of a downsizing effort that began in 2023, when the company initially filed for bankruptcy and reduced its footprint from over 2,300 locations to approximately 1,200 stores.
Despite the bankruptcy, Rite Aid has assured customers that pharmacy services, including prescriptions and immunizations, will remain available in stores and online during the transition. The company is also working to transfer customer prescriptions to other pharmacies to minimize disruptions. However, Rite Aid has stopped issuing rewards points and will no longer honor gift cards or accept returns starting June 5, 2025.
The company has secured $1.94 billion in financing to sustain operations during the sale process, but the future of its stores remains uncertain as discussions with potential buyers continue.
Shoppers at the Newman location have certainly noticed the approaching closure, as shelves have less and less product.
So far, no public announcements have been made regarding a potential buyer for the Rite Aid location in Newman, leaving its future uncertain as the company moves forward with store closures. The building sits in the same shopping center where Taco Bell recently shut down, with plans already in place to transform that space into a new Starbucks. While the Rite Aid vacancy presents an opportunity for redevelopment, it remains to be seen whether another retailer or business will step in to fill the void left by its departure.
While Rite Aid's closure marks a shift in local pharmacy access, Westside residents still have a dependable option for their medical and prescription needs. Pioneer Drug, with locations in both Newman and Gustine, continues to serve the community, offering personalized service and a familiar neighborhood presence.
For over 85 years, Pioneer Drug has been a cornerstone in the communities of Newman, Gustine, Hilmar, and Stevenson, with three pharmacists who collectively boast over 80 years of experience.
The pharmacy offers a range of services tailored to meet individual patient needs, including medication therapy management, immunizations, and multi-dose packaging to simplify medication schedules. With medication non-adherence being a significant concern, especially for chronic conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes, Pioneer Drug has developed solutions to help patients stay on track with their treatments, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
In addition to the wide array of services available at the pharmacy, Pioneer Drug also provides prescription delivery to patients in the Newman and Gustine areas. This convenience ensures that everyone has access to their medications, regardless of their ability to visit the pharmacy in person.
