OVERVIEW
Rite Aid Corporation has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has closed a significant number of stores nationally and in New Jersey, including the Highland Park store at 332 Raritan Avenue. The loss of the store is understandably a concern for many residents and visitors. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document seeks to answer common questions and provide insight into what the Borough is doing to address the situation. We will continue to update this document as new information becomes available.

WHY DID RITE AID CLOSE?
Rite Aid has been facing financial challenges due to a combination of factors, including shifts toward online shopping and prescription delivery services, lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, increased competition from other retailers and big box stores, and debt. On Monday, May 5, 2025, Rite Aid filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, which allows the company to restructure its debts and sell off its assets, including store leases. The Rite Aid store at 332 Raritan Avenue is included in this most recent filing.

WHAT IS THE BOROUGH DOING TO HELP RESIDENTS?
We recognize that the closure of Rite Aid poses challenges for many residents who have depended on the store for their prescriptions and other personal care items for many years. We are particularly concerned about our older residents and people with limited mobility and transportation options. To address this, the Department of Community Services is prepared to support residents to ensure continued access to these essential pharmacy services and products. Specifically, our team can assist residents with:

• Transferring prescriptions: Rite Aid prescriptions will transfer automatically to the nearby Walgreens; however, individuals may select a different pharmacy such as Unite Pharmacy, which located at 75 Raritan Avenue in Highland Park. Community Services staff can assist residents with making these transfers.
• Home Delivery Assistance: Staff are available to help residents enroll in prescription homedelivery services offered by other local pharmacies and individual prescription plans.
• Transportation: The Community Center’s transportation program is actively providing door-to-door rides to nearby pharmacies for residents who prefer in-person pickup. 

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact the Highland Park Community Services staff at (732) 819-0052 for support.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN WITH THE RITE AID PROPERTY?
Once the Chapter 11 proceedings conclude, it is our understanding that the property owner intends to list the property for lease or sale to see what options come forward. As much as the Borough  hopes to see another large-format pharmacy open in this space, current national trends show that many of these larger brick-and-mortar pharmacy chains are closing locations rather than expanding. The Borough has been working with the property owner and commercial brokers to help market the space and identify potential new tenants. We also consider community priorities when advocating for future use of the property.

It is important to note that at 15,000 square feet, the Rite Aid building is fairly large and it might be difficult to find a single tenant looking for that much space. The property owner may look to subdivide the space into multiple storefronts or possibly redevelop into a mixed-use building. The Borough is committed to working with the property owner to find the best solution and collaborate with them, similar to how we partnered with the property owners when the Stop & Shop announced its departure.

HOW CAN I SHARE MY IDEAS AND CONCERNS?
If you have a suggestion you'd  like to share, please reach out to Teri Jover, Borough Administrator & Economic Development Director, at tjover@hpboro.com or 732-819-3789 or Rutuja Vartak, Economic Development Coordinator, at rvartak@hpboro.com or 732-287-5801.

CONCLUSION
The closure of Rite Aid will have an impact on both residents and the Borough’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown. The Mayor, Borough Council, and our professional economic  development staff are actively working to address this challenge and ensure the space is reactivated in a way that benefits Highland Park.