Bartell Drugs was bought by the Pennsylvania-based pharmacy chain Rite Aid in 2020 for $95 million. The acquisition was completed on December 18, 2020, at which time Bartell Drugs had 69 locations primarily in the Puget Sound region of Washington state
. Since the acquisition, Rite Aid has faced financial difficulties, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice (in 2023 and again in 2025). As part of these proceedings, Rite Aid has been closing many Bartell Drugs locations and seeking buyers for the chain. There is a possibility that some Bartell locations will be acquired by CVS as part of Rite Aid's asset sales during bankruptcy, but it remains uncertain whether the Bartell brand will survive under new ownership
. In summary, Bartell Drugs was bought by Rite Aid in 2020, and currently, Rite Aid is attempting to sell or close Bartell stores amid its bankruptcy process, with CVS potentially acquiring some locations
