Leading US Pharmacy Chain To Move Into Former Rite Aid Space in Morro Bay, Hiring Begins

Walgreens is potentially opening a pharmacy in San Luis Obispo County, and is expected to take over a space previously occupied by Rite Aid, according hiring postings on the retail pharmacy chain’s website.

The store is planned for Morro Bay, according to listings on the Walgreens hiring page, which posted address as 740 Quintana Road near Albertsons. Walgreens has advertised multiple positions, including store manager, pharmacy manager, cashier, and customer service associate roles, reflecting plans for a full-service location.

Walgreens has advertised for multiple positions, including store manager, pharmacy manager, cashiers, and customer service. Reflecting the company’s operational plans and coming with a full service soon.

Rite Aid Closure

This come after the closure of Rite Aid’s Morro Bay location, along with other stores in Santa Barbara County, including Santa Maria, Solvang, and Goleta. Rite Aid had filed for bankruptcy before shutting down these stories, Edhat reported previously.

Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in May 2025. The long-running U.S. pharmacy chain has shut down all of its remaining stores nationwide, effectively bringing its operations to an end, according to Bisnow.

The business closed its stores after being in operation for 60 years.

They have reportedly closed more than 400 stores nationwide as it was facing issues related to debt, opioid legal challenges, and declining performance at their locations, according to KEYT.

As part of its restructuring, Rite Aid has redistributed its assets to major retail and pharmacy chains, including Walgreens.

Walgreens Growing Footprints

According to Walgreens, the company operates about 8,000 stores across all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

The company also states that about 80% of Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens store and that it serves approximately 9 million customers and patients.

Walgreens describes itself as a community-focused pharmacy provider offering healthcare services and retail products.

Its operations include pharmacies, distribution centers, and micro-fulfillment facilities. The company also highlights public health efforts such as flu shot programs, outreach initiatives, and community health events.

Founded in 1901, Walgreens has a long history as a neighborhood pharmacy chain .

In February 2026, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy received full Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation from URAC. The accreditation is effective from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2029, according to the company. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy holds several national accreditations and provides services to nearly 300 million covered lives across the country.

Walgreens stated that it plans to close about 1,200 stores across the US between 2025 and 2027 as part of a broader restructuring effort, according to EMARKETER.