The Rite Aid store on the south end of Bend will close April 29 and products and services will be transferred to the northeast Third Street store, according to the company.

The drugstore chain said it has been making similar business decisions nationwide over the past several months to improve the bottom line and optimize the retail footprint, according to the company.

Medication prescriptions can go to the Fred Meyer Pharmacy on South U.S. Highway 97.

In 2023, Rite Aid declared bankruptcy protection citing a number of factors, including rising debt, a challenging retail environment. The chain began the process of restructuring and closing underperforming stores to reduce debt and operating costs. Since seeking bankruptcy protection the chain has closed more than 500  locations, or about a quarter of its locations. 

In 2024, the company emerged from bankruptcy and now operates as a privately held company.