Albertsons buys Rite Aid stores

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The Albertsons grocery chain, which already owns Safeway, has purchased the remainder of the Rite Aid chain in the western and northeastern United State.

About half of the Rite Aid chain, in the southern states, was purchased by Walgreens last year.

The result, according to a story in the Coupons in the News newsletter, will be a "food-and-pharmacy giant that both companies say will be a convenient, affordable arrangement for customers."

The announcement from Albertsons and Rite Aid says they will not only "retain the Rite Aid name and continue to operate existing Rite Aid stores as standalone locations, but they will also rebrand Albertsons-owned grocery stores’ in-store pharmacies as Rite Aid."

Photo by Jerry Pickard

There has been no announcement of plans to close any stores, but it's possible that locations that are too close will be merged.

Coupons says that "The two companies say they’ll be able to combine the best of both retailers, offering customers an expanded selection of food and pharmacy products, with Albertsons grocery stores offering more comprehensive pharmacy and wellness services, and Rite Aid drug stores offering expanded food options."