The pharmacy retailer has launched a small format store pilot for “pharmacy deserts” and underserved communities.
The first location opened earlier this month, in Craigsville, Virginia, which has less than 1,000 residents. Two additional stores are planned to open in Virginia by early 2023, with one opening in December in Greenville, and the other early next year, in Scottsville.
Rite Aid’s new smaller-store format will average approximately 3,000sq ft, which is significantly smaller than the average 11,000sq ft to 15,000sq ft standard Rite Aid location. The smaller stores will feature a full-service pharmacy, along with an assortment of health and wellness products.
The new Rite Aid Pharmacy in Craigsville is situated in the heart of the community next to the library, post office and town hall. Until it opened, residents had to drive to neighbouring communities for pharmacy services. The store has a full-time pharmacist and a full-time pharmacy technician. Part-time pharmacy technicians will float between two area Rite Aid Pharmacy locations.
“With these new smaller format pharmacy locations, we are bringing critical pharmacy services to underserved communities,” said Andre Persaud, Chief Retail Officer, Rite Aid. “We look forward to becoming a vital member of this community and learning from this new store model as we explore expansion to additional markets across the US.”
