Rite Aid, once a dominant player in the US pharmacy sector, has officially closed all its remaining stores, marking the end of a 63-year legacy. The company’s website was updated on Saturday with a closure announcement, expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and providing a link for them to access their pharmacy records. Founded in 1962, Rite Aid grew to become one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, boasting 5,000 stores at its peak. However, the company has faced significant challenges in recent years, including financial instability and a Justice Department investigation. By the time of its final closure, fewer than 100 stores were still operational. Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy twice, in October 2023 and May 2025, as part of efforts to restructure and address litigation claims. The company also faced legal repercussions for its role in the opioid crisis, settling lawsuits for up to $30 million in 2022 and agreeing to a Justice Department complaint in July 2024 over unlawful prescriptions. The closure of Rite Aid adds to a broader trend of pharmacy chain shutdowns across the US, with CVS and Walgreens also reducing their retail footprints. Experts warn that these closures are contributing to the rise of ‘pharmacy deserts,’ leaving millions of Americans without convenient access to essential medications.