Are you a Bartell Drugs customer? Then we have bad news for you. The popular pharmacy chain has announced that it will be disappearing for good. But what happened to the company? And how long will you still be able to shop at its stores? Here’s everything we know so far.
Why Is Bartell Drugs Disappearing?
Before you panic, it’s important to note that it’s the brand that is going away, not necessarily the stores themselves. Here’s the explanation: In May, Rite Aid—the bankrupt parent company of Bartell Drugs—announced it would be selling 64 Rite Aid and Bartell locations across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon to CVS. As a result of this sale, 20 Bartell Drugs locations will be converted into CVS stores, marking the end of the Bartell Drugs brand.
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For now, Bartell announced via its website that it will no longer accept Bartell Drugs or Rite Aid gift cards, nor will it process returns or exchanges.
When Will Bartell Drugs Disappear?
According to CVS, the 20 Bartell locations will become CVS Pharmacy branches by mid-July. The company also announced plans to improve product selection and availability at these locations and to bring in new team members to ensure an enhanced in-store shopping experience. CVS stated that current Bartell employees who wish to stay on board will have the opportunity to apply for positions within CVS.
The History of Bartell Drugs
Bartell Drugs was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1890 by George H. Bartell Sr., a 21-year-old pharmacist who purchased a small drugstore in the Central District. With a strong focus on customer service and personalized pharmaceutical care, Bartell quickly stood out. Over the decades, a commitment to innovation and quality helped the business grow under the leadership of three generations of the Bartell family, eventually expanding across the region.
In 2020, Bartell Drugs was fully acquired by Rite Aid and became one of its subsidiaries. Despite the change in ownership, the chain continued to serve the Pacific Northwest with pride.
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Why did Rite Aid file for bankruptcy?
Since 2023, the company had been facing economic difficulties, although it initially managed to exit bankruptcy through a Chapter 11 filing. However, the pharmacy chain struggled to fully recover and continued to face major obstacles.
One of the key issues arose when the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Rite Aid for violating the False Claims Act and the Controlled Substances Act, due to dispensing prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose. This led the company to reach a multimillion-dollar settlement.
Additionally, in 2024, Rite Aid suffered a major data breach that exposed the personal information of 2.2 million customers. This security incident prompted a class action lawsuit, ultimately forcing the company to pay $6.8 million in compensation.
About CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy is a well-known retail pharmacy chain that also operates as a comprehensive health care provider. While it is widely recognized for its pharmacies, its services go far beyond selling medication. CVS offers access to MinuteClinics for basic medical care without appointments, as well as vaccination services and prescription management programs.
CVS Health is the parent company and operates through several divisions, including:
- CVS Pharmacy
- CVS Caremark
- MinuteClinic
- CVS Health Virtual Care
- CVS CostVantage
