SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – In a press release dated May 15, the Rite Aid Corporation announced the sale of more than 1,000 store locations across the U.S. to a variety of companies, including Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and others.
Rite Aid issued a statement addressing their valued customers. “For over six decades, Rite Aid has been a proud provider of pharmacy services and products to loyal customers like you. Recently, Rite Aid has experienced a number of financial challenges that have intensified as a result of the rapidly evolving retail and health care landscapes in which we operate.”
While Rite Aid has remained committed to keeping their stores open during the transitional period, customers of Rite Aid in the Springfield Plaza have been among those sitting tight for the final word on the future of their local pharmacy.
On June 25, regional drugstore chain Kinney Drugs posted the news Springfield residents were waiting for – Kinney Drugs will be taking over the Springfield Plaza location beginning the first full week of August, after acquiring the pharmacy from Rite Aid.
A 100% employee-owned health care company with approximately 100 drugstores across Vermont and New York state, Kinney Drugs released a statement that read in part, “With the additions of the locations at 49 Canal Street in Brattleboro and 55 Springfield Plaza Road in Springfield, we will have 23 drugstores in the Green Mountain State. Although we are new to Springfield and Brattleboro, we are not new to Vermont! We opened our first drugstore in Saint Albans nearly 70 years ago.”
“Our stores are fully stocked with household, pet care, beauty, general seasonal, gift, and convenience items that customers want to see. Kinney Drugs continues to be a dependable partner in health and wellness, while also offering the products customers want most – all under one roof.”
“Kinney is committed to fulfilling the needs of all of the people who rely on us. Whether you’re part of our community as a customer or an employee, serving you and your family is our team’s top priority.”
Many residents of Springfield had expressed concerns about losing one of just two pharmacies in town, and are looking forward to the changeover. All members of the community are invited to leave comments on Kinney Drugs’ Facebook page, letting the pharmacy know what kinds of products and services they would like to see in their stores, at www.facebook.com/kinneydrugs.
