By Fernando Gonzalez – Editor-in-Chief of Bellingham Metro News
BELLINGHAM, WA — Major changes are underway in Whatcom County’s pharmacy landscape. Rite Aid locations in Lynden, Ferndale, and Blaine have been confirmed saved and will transition into CVS Pharmacy stores, according to public statements made by local store management in online community groups such as Lynden Neighbors, and threads published by Bellingham Metro News.
Prescriptions at all three stores will be safely transferred to CVS systems, and current employees have expressed gratitude to the community for its continued support during a period of corporate uncertainty. “We’re ready to keep serving the community and restock our shelves,” one Lynden employee wrote in a local group post.
Bellingham Hit with Closures – Other Stores Await Word
While it’s good news for northern Whatcom communities, two Bellingham Rite Aid stores — Sunset and Northwest — will reportedly permanently close, according to internal messages received by employees and shared with Bellingham Metro News. These locations were not acquired by another chain.
This comes less than two years after Telegraph Rite Aid and Downtown Bellingham Rite Aid permanently shut down in the last Chapter 11 Bankruptcy case under Rite Aid Corporation.
Prescription files will be redirected to nearby CVS stores. CVS is reportedly open to interviewing current Rite Aid workers, though positions are not guaranteed. Closing dates are still pending.
The fate of Bellingham’s remaining Rite Aid store in Sehome Village has not yet been disclosed.
Third Wave of National Closures Hits Washington
This announcement comes as Rite Aid enters its third wave of closures since May 6 amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. In this round, more than 150 stores are shutting down, including:
- Milton
- Maple Valley
- University Place
- Auburn
- Port Orchard
So far in 2025, over 400 Rite Aid stores have been closed. Many have been picked up by other chains such as CVS, while others have been liquidated.
CVS Integration: Rewards and Reminders
As CVS assumes operations of many former Rite Aid locations in Whatcom County, customers are encouraged to sign up for the CVS ExtraCare® Rewards program in advance to streamline checkout. This is especially helpful given CVS’s limited standalone presence in the region until now.
ExtraCare® perks include:
- 2% back in ExtraBucks® on purchases
- Personalized coupons and sales
- $3 birthday rewards
- Up to $50 in pharmacy activity rewards
For added benefits, ExtraCare Plus® ($5/month or $48/year) includes:
- 20% off CVS Health-brand products
- Free same-day and Rx delivery
- $10 monthly bonus reward
*Per their website
Register now online or in the CVS app.
Stay with Bellingham Metro News for more updates as this story develops.
Discover more from Bellingham Metro News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
