Story perspectives
End of an Era: Bartell Drugs Closes After 135 Years
10/1/2025
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Story summary
- Bartell Drugs closed its last three locations, ending a 135-year history as the United States' oldest family-owned drugstore.
- Founded in 1890 in Seattle, Bartell was known for its local identity and community focus.
- Rite Aid acquired Bartell in 2020, while Rite Aid faced bankruptcy issues.
- CVS Health took over 20 Bartell stores; the remaining locations were shuttered or liquidated.
