Rite Aid Distribution Center Set to Lay Off Over 300 Employees in Aberdeen

Rite Aid has announced the impending closure of its Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center located in Aberdeen, resulting in the layoff of 363 employees. The facility, situated at 601 Chelsea Road, is scheduled to cease operations by June 4.

Matt Button, a spokesperson for the Harford County Executive's Office, expressed concern over the impact of this decision, stating, "We recognize the significant hardship this news brings to the employees, their families, and our community. Upon receiving the notification, the Department of Economic Development immediately began to mobilize resources to support those potentially affected during this challenging time."

The closure comes amid Rite Aid's ongoing financial difficulties, including the company's second bankruptcy protection filing in less than two years. As part of its restructuring efforts, Rite Aid is selling its real estate and retail leases for more than twenty locations across Maryland. This includes an 850,000-square-foot distribution center, a significant asset in its portfolio.

In addition to the Aberdeen facility's closure, Rite Aid has already divested 154 stores across fifteen states during its initial bankruptcy filing, seeking to streamline operations and cut costs.

Efforts to obtain an official statement from Rite Aid regarding the closures and layoffs have been unsuccessful so far, with no response received at this time.