Tri-Cities’ only 24-hour pharmacy has a new name after Rite Aid bankruptcy

The Tri-Cities’ lone 24-hour commercial pharmacy is now operating under CVS ownership.

The former Rite Aid at 121 S. Ely St. converted to CVS on Aug. 13 after being sold amid a nationwide bankruptcy involving 1,240 stores in 15 states.

CVS hung a banner this week on the building at the busy corner of Highway 395 and Kennewick Avenue. Permanent signs are coming. The city of Kennewick is processing a request for a permit to replace two wall signs with the new name.

Inside, employees were rearranging and restocking shelves that had become noticeably bare in recent months.

A sign at the pharmacy said prescriptions had been transferred to CVS, and workers said they would be processed without interruptions. The drive-up line at the pharmacy window looked as busy as ever.

The move comes as Rite Aid closes — or will close — four of its five Tri-Cities stores.

New Rite Aid LLC filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey on May 5. CVS and other rivals purchased parts of its business, including the Kennewick store.

Two Richland stores closed in July, as did a store on North Fourth Street in Pasco.

The last store still operating as a Rite Aid, 1308 N. 20th Ave., at Court Street.

Staff said it will close Sept. 27 and the space will become a Ross Dress for Less. Ross officials could not be reached to confirm the plan.