New Businesses Eyed to Replace Shuttered Rite Aid Stores Across New York

With all 178 Rite Aid locations in New York now closed, communities in the Hudson Valley are buzzing about potential new businesses taking over those vacant spots.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Rite Aid has officially closed all of its New York locations, leaving many communities in the Hudson Valley with vacant retail spaces. While some locations, like the former Rite Aid in Kingston, already have plans for new businesses like a CTown supermarket, residents are speculating about what could move into the other empty storefronts. Suggestions range from grocery stores like Trader Joe's or Aldi, to fitness centers, fast-casual restaurants, and convenience stores.

Why it matters

The closure of all Rite Aid stores in New York represents a significant shift in the retail landscape, particularly in the Hudson Valley region. These vacant spaces provide an opportunity for new businesses to move in and serve the local communities, potentially bringing new jobs, services, and economic activity to the area.

The details

Last year, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it would shut down all 178 of its stores across New York State, including 12 locations in the Hudson Valley. The company cited a tough economic climate, rising costs, and legal challenges as the main reasons behind the closures. Since then, many of the former Rite Aid buildings have been sitting empty, leaving residents wondering what could move in next. While some locations, like the one in Kingston, already have plans for new businesses like a CTown supermarket, other vacant spaces could potentially become home to grocery stores like Trader Joe's or Aldi, fitness centers, fast-casual restaurants, or convenience stores.

  • In 2025, Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it would close all 178 of its stores across New York State.
  • The 12 Rite Aid locations in the Hudson Valley, including stores in Beacon, Kingston, Hyde Park, Hopewell Junction, Middletown, Montgomery, Newburgh, Rosendale, Brewster, Wappingers Falls, and two in Poughkeepsie, have all since closed.

The players

Rite Aid

A pharmacy chain that has officially closed all of its 178 locations across New York State, including 12 stores in the Hudson Valley region.

CTown

A supermarket chain that has submitted plans to open a new full-service grocery store in the former Rite Aid location in Kingston, New York.

Matthew Schroeder

The CEO of Rite Aid, who cited a tough economic climate, rising costs, and legal challenges as the main reasons behind the company's decision to shut down all of its New York stores.

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What they’re saying

“We had been trying to find other solutions, but ultimately couldn't avoid shutting down all of our locations.”

— Matthew Schroeder, CEO, Rite Aid

What’s next

If the plans for a CTown supermarket in the former Kingston Rite Aid location are approved, it could set the tone for what happens at other vacant Rite Aid stores across the Hudson Valley. Residents will continue to speculate and provide suggestions for potential new businesses that could move into the empty storefronts.

The takeaway

The closure of all Rite Aid stores in New York represents a significant shift in the retail landscape, particularly in the Hudson Valley region. These vacant spaces provide an opportunity for new businesses to move in and serve the local communities, potentially bringing new jobs, services, and economic activity to the area. While some locations already have plans for new businesses, the future of the other empty Rite Aid stores remains uncertain, leaving residents eager to see what will replace them.