Final Two SouthCoast Rite Aids Prepare to Close Permanently

If you are a Rite Aid customer in Fall River or New Bedford, now is probably a good time to look for an alternative location to fill your prescriptions.

It has been a couple of years since the Rite Aid on Purchase Street in New Bedford permanently closed its doors after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The location had been there for decades, and I know it well. I remember broadcasting live from that Rite Aid’s grand opening back in the ‘90s. The grand opening was a block party, and the store was able to shut down a portion of Purchase Street.

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After the closing of the Purchase Street Rite Aid, the Acushnet Avenue location became the last one standing. Amazingly, the Acushnet Avenue Rite Aid is one of only two locations left here on the SouthCoast. The only other location is on South Main Street in Fall River.

If you’ve been paying attention, you already know that these two locations are probably on their last legs.

The Associated Press is reporting that Rite Aid will be closing or selling all of its remaining locations as the pharmacy undergoes another bankruptcy.

What Does This Mean for Rite Aid Customers?

As of May 6, Rite Aid customers will no longer accumulate Rite Aid rewards points. According to an employee at the New Bedford location, customers will still be able to use their already accumulated points, but they will no longer receive new points.

READ MORE: Fairhaven Walgreens Closing Amid Nationwide Cuts

Another important thing for Rite Aid customers to know is that stores will no longer be accepting gift cards after June 5. Also, shoppers will no longer be able to return items to the store after June 5. That may indicate how long Rite Aid will keep its locations open. However, the AP is reporting that the shutdowns are expected to take place in the coming months.