PINCKNEY — Residents of Pinckney are reeling from the news that their local Rite Aid pharmacy is set to close its doors, part of a broader decision by the chain to shutter nearly all of its locations across Michigan and Ohio. The closure includes the sole Rite Aid store located at 75 S. Dexter St. in the village.

According to reports from The Detroit Free Press, employees and local sources have confirmed that Rite Aid plans to cease operations in both states, citing financial challenges and the need to consolidate operations. This move comes as a surprise to many in the community, who rely on the pharmacy for essential services and convenience.

Jo Ellen Soesbee, a resident from nearby Hell, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I feel bad for them because they’re great, and they’re always busy. I don’t understand why they’re closing. I was shocked.” Soesbee had recently moved her prescriptions to Costco but noted concerns over potential strain on other nearby pharmacies.

The decision to close all Michigan stores, including those in Livingston County, follows Rite Aid’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year. The company has faced declining sales and legal challenges related to opioid lawsuits, prompting closures as part of its restructuring efforts.

Local residents like Peter Becker from Gregory voiced their concerns over losing a convenient local pharmacy option. “It’s convenient to have a pharmacy in town,” Becker remarked. “If I needed something little, I would pick it up.”

The impact of the closures will extend beyond Pinckney, affecting communities across both states. With the nearest Walgreens located in Brighton, approximately 20 minutes away, residents are preparing for the inconvenience of traveling further for pharmacy services.

No official closing date has been announced for the Pinckney location, but reports suggest closures will occur in waves over the summer, potentially starting as early as July 1. Efforts to obtain further comment from Rite Aid representatives have been unsuccessful, with store employees citing company directives against media interaction.

Rite Aid’s decision to transfer prescriptions to Walgreens aims to mitigate disruption for customers, yet concerns linger about accessibility and service continuity in affected areas. Local officials and residents continue to seek clarity on the future of healthcare services in their communities amidst these changes.