There is some pretty big news today for all of us who play the drug store game.
Walgreens plans to buy out all of the Rite Aid stores by the end of 2015. It looks like Rite Aid will continue to operate under its own brand name, even though it will be owned by Walgreens.
I’ll be interested to see what this means for couponers at Rite Aid.
This has definitely been a long time coming, as there have been rumors of Rite Aid closing down for years now.
What do you think about this news as a Rite Aid or Walgreens customer?
Sharon Johnson says
I’ve had several bad experiences at Rite Aid and refuse to return. For instance, when they have certain brands of laundry detergents on sale, they have very few and they go quickly. I get rain checks only to find out they don’t carry that brand other than for sales.
We have CVS, Walgreen and Rite Aid within a block. It will not hurt my feelings if that Rite Aid closes.
Sarah says
Less choice, less competition means fewer deals and savings. And fewer stores= longer lines!! They have one less competitor in towns where we have both!! I don’t do rite aid that much (rarely if at all) but they know me at *my* Walgreens. Like if I tell them a deal is supposed to work out the usual staff will hear me out and either agree with me or let me speak to the manager. But I figure the RR and points deals at Walgreens will slow down.
Amy says
Oh wow. I used to LOVE Rite Aid. I started couponing when my twins were 4 months old (in May ’09) and the first several years I shopped at Rite Aid every week or two. i got so many great deals there, especially on diapers! Over time I started shopping there less and less. I’m not sure why; the deals weren’t as compelling, especially once they were out of diapers. And since they switched to Plenti Points I haven’t shopped there at all other than to get Rx; I haven’t taken the time to figure out the new system. I’m bummed though b/c I haven’t been impressed by Walgreens’ coupon deals and RR at all. I LOVE getting 20% off everything automatically at Rite Aid though and will miss that for sure! It’s my go-to if I need drugstore type stuff and don’t have time to wait for a coupon deal.
Rebecca says
We don’t have Rite Aid in my town, only CVS and Walgreens, so I don’t think it will make too much difference.
Rebecca says
I should have said that it wouldn’t make much difference *for me* since I’m sure it will affect some depending on how things settle after the buy out is complete.
Lisa says
I think it will turn out like health insurance…less choice is never better for the consumer. 🙁