Local drugstore, Walnut Creek Pharmacy, announces permanent closure, causing dissatisfaction among residents.
In a sad turn of events, the Rite Aid pharmacy in Walnut Creek, California, located in the Palos Verdes shopping center, has permanently closed on July 17, 2025. This closure is part of Rite Aid's bankruptcy-related store closures, with hundreds of locations around the country also shutting down.
The Walnut Creek Rite Aid had been a long-standing community fixture, serving residents for many years. Its closure has added to local disappointment over the loss. Many locals have expressed feelings of nostalgia and gratitude towards the pharmacy staff, considering it a part of their day-to-day routine for decades.
For prescription alternatives, nearby pharmacies include Walgreens at 2900 N Main St (1.4 miles away) and 721 Gregory Ln (1.6 miles away), CVS Pharmacy at 1871 N Main St (1.9 miles away) and 1123 S California Blvd (2.4 miles away), Safeway Pharmacy at 1978 Contra Costa Blvd (2.3 miles away), and another Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 2140 Contra Costa Blvd (2.2 miles away), if still open.
Prescriptions would need to be transferred to one of these nearby pharmacies. Most large pharmacy chains, including CVS and Walgreens, can handle prescription transfers and offer similar services. Local residents previously impacted by Rite Aid closures, such as in Orinda, had prescriptions automatically transferred to CVS pharmacies.
Some locals have expressed concern about the transfer of their prescriptions to different pharmacies. One resident mentioned that their prescription was transferred to a CVS "on the other side of town." Pharmacy staff members have received personal messages of appreciation from locals, such as "I will miss you. Thank you for all you've done for me and our community."
Pharmacy staff members have also expressed their own feelings about the closure. Julianne and Paul from the Rite Aid team expressed sadness at leaving. Some residents have reconnected with longtime staff members, such as Erica B. of Buena Vista who reconnected with longtime staff member Phyllis.
As of July 2023, not all Rite Aid stores in Contra Costa County have closed, according to Phyllis Rose. The Rite Aid location in Palo Verdes shopping center was known for serving "Thrifty" ice cream.
The closure of the Rite Aid pharmacy in Walnut Creek is a significant loss for the community. However, nearby pharmacies offer alternatives for prescription needs. Locals are advised to transfer their prescriptions and continue to support the pharmacy staff who have served them for many years.
- The closure of the Rite Aid pharmacy, a long-standing community fixture in Walnut Creek, California, has prompted local residents to seek alternatives in the industry, with nearby pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, and another Rite Aid offering services in finance and prescriptions.
- As a result of the Rite Aid closure, local retail businesses have also felt the impact, with residents being advised to continue supporting the pharmacy staff who have served them for many years, expressing gratitude through personal messages and maintaining connections with long-standing team members.
