Rite Aid has entered into a sales agreement with CVS Pharmacy to purchase and operate many of its stores in Washington, Oregon and Idaho as it sells off its assets as part of its second bankruptcy in three years. 

The deal with CVS also includes the Bartell Drugs-branded stores in the Pacific Northwest, according to a release. In addition, Rite Aid has established pharmacy services transition agreements for across the U.S. with CVS as well as Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger and other pharmacy providers. All sale transactions are still pending bankruptcy court approval. 

Company officials say stores remain open, and customers can continue to access their pharmacy services, including prescription refills and immunizations, without interruption. 

“These agreements ensure our pharmacy customers will experience a smooth transition while preserving jobs for some of our valued team members,” said Matt Schroeder, Rite Aid CEO, in a statement. 

Rite Aid has five stores in the Tri-Cities, with the store at 101 N. Ely St. in Kennewick being the only general pharmacy that offers near 24-hour pharmacy services. Its pharmacy does close between 1:30 and 2 p.m. each day for staff to take a lunch break.   

CVS has two locations in the Tri-Cities, both housed inside Target stores. 

Rite Aid declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early May, announcing its intent to either sell all its stores, with any that are unsold being closed.