‘We’re sorry to tell you…’: Customers learn Rite Aid on Bend’s south end will be closing later this month
(Update: New video and reactions)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hundreds of Rite Aid pharmacy customers on the south end of Bend got the upsetting news in person or by mail this week: The store at 700 SE Third Street will be closing later this month.
“We appreciate your loyalty,” the letters begin. “We’re sorry to tell you we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close your Rite Aid at 700 SE Third Street in Bend on 4/29/25.”
“What an honor it has been to care for you and your health and well-being,” the message continues. “Please accept our heartfelt thanks.”
Starting on April 30, former Rite Aid customers will have their prescriptions available at the Fred Meyer Pharmacy on South Highway 97.
Until the store closes, customers can speak with their Rite Aid pharmacist with any questions, or tell them if they'd prefer their prescriptions be sent to a different store.
The closure will leave Bend with one Rite Aid, on Northeast Third Street.
“We know you have choices when it comes to pharmacies, and we appreciate that you entrusted us with your health,” the letter concludes, closing: “Take Care, Your Pharmacy Team.”
KTVZ News has reached out to Rite Aid officials for more information and will update as we learn more.
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have all been closing stores in recent years due to several factors, including rising competition, lower reimbursement rates for prescriptions and shifting consumer habits.
Last summer, Rite Aid, which declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, announced 11 Oregon store closures, from Portland and Salem to Florence and Milton-Freewater. By last fall, it had closed 800 stores for a total of about 1,300.
