Rite Aid Closures Could Leave Camden Co. Town Without A Pharmacy

BARRINGTON, NJ — As Rite Aid prepares to close or sell all of its stores, several South Jersey towns will likely lose a pharmacy. But one Camden County town expects to lose its only pharmacy.

Rite Aid is the only pharmacy in Barrington. With the corporation going bankrupt on Monday for the second time in less than two years, local officials are seeking options.

"The situation underscores the profound impact businesses have within a community," said Council Member Melanie Mercado-Miller. "Owners should always consider that their presence is fundamentally for the people they serve, and decisions like closures can significantly affect residents' well-being, highlighting the responsibility businesses hold in contributing positively to the community fabric."

Most Rite Aid stores will remain open for a few months. Until then, customers can still get their prescriptions filled. The company hopes to facilitate a "smooth transfer" as it tries to sell customers' prescription records to nearby pharmacies that can continue filling them.

But there's no guarantee those files will wind up near each impacted Rite Aid store, according to the Associated Press.

The changing pharmacy landscape also presents challenges, as several local communities have seen their Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens stores shutter in recent years.

With Rite Aid likely to close in the heart of Barrington, borough officials are seeking new opportunities for the key commercial space.

But the store's looming closure leaves a void.

"We understand the impact this may have on residents who depend on (Barrington's Rite Aid store) for medications and daily necessities," said Mayor Kyle Hanson. "We also recognize the sense of loss felt for the dedicated staff — many of whom have become like family to the residents they've served with care and compassion over the years."