News Summary
As Rite Aid closes all its Michigan stores, exciting new developments are emerging at its former locations. Plum Market will expand significantly in Bloomfield Township, while other communities are repurposing these spaces for healthcare and retail services. With a focus on enhancing convenience, several projects like car washes and urgent care facilities are taking shape. The future looks promising as Michigan navigates this retail transformation, responding to community needs and consumer demands.
Expansion and Repurposing of Former Rite Aid Locations in Michigan Following Mass Closures
The bustling community of Bloomfield Township is about to see some exciting changes. Plum Market is stepping in to take over a former Rite Aid location, and they’re not just moving in—they’re expanding! This popular grocery chain will be adding a whopping 10,000 square feet to its current store, making the total store size a fantastic 30,000 square feet.
For years, the CEO of Plum Market has been dreaming of this expansion, and with the recent closures of Rite Aid locations throughout Michigan, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Construction kicked off on October 1 and is set to unfold in two phases, with completion projected by May and August. As the new space comes to life, shoppers can look forward to an enhanced experience with upgraded sections including produce, floral, meat, and seafood. What’s more, a new Village Pharmacy will provide traditional pharmacy services, catering to the increasing demand for healthcare convenience.
Rite Aid’s Decline in Michigan
The backdrop for this transformation includes Rite Aid’s filing for bankruptcy back in fall 2023, which ultimately led to the unfortunate closure of all 180 of its Michigan stores by September 2024. Though it’s a significant loss for communities, many former Rite Aid sites are now being repurposed.
Across Michigan, various projects are emerging from these closures. In St. Clair Shores, an Express Wash Concepts car wash is set to open its doors at what used to be a Rite Aid. Meanwhile, in Wyandotte, a former Rite Aid is being divided into four retail and medical tenant spaces, signaling a shift toward healthcare-focused businesses.
In another win for community healthcare, UM Health-Sparrow plans to inhabit a former Rite Aid spot in Lansing, where they’ll offer urgent care and pharmacy services. Similarly, Memorial Healthcare has transformed a former Rite Aid in Owosso into a patient care facility, combining various health services and even adding a drive-thru for pharmacy needs.
The Future of Former Rite Aid Locations
Clearly, there’s a lot to look forward to! Kroger has already purchased a former Rite Aid in Midland, signaling more expansion in the area. However, it’s important to note that not all Rite Aid spaces have found new occupants yet. Many locations, particularly in rural areas, are still sitting empty, presenting unique challenges for finding suitable tenants.
Retail real estate expert Ben Hubert emphasizes the importance of factors like visibility, traffic flow, and space configuration when it comes to redeveloping these properties. Potential new tenants might include charming mom-and-pop businesses, small grocery stores, fitness centers, trampoline parks, and even educational institutions. It feels like the possibilities are nearly endless!
The Plum Market Project
Back to Plum Market’s splashy $4 million expansion! Besides offering an incredible shopping experience, customers are buzzing with excitement about the broader selection they will get to enjoy. Plum Market fans, like customer Sarah Zimmerman, express enthusiasm for the larger offerings coming their way. Despite the mixed feelings about Rite Aid’s closure, the prospect of having a new and improved grocery store nearby is hard to resist.
Continuing the theme of health and convenience, the new Village Pharmacy in Plum Market is in direct response to consumer demand, merging pharmacy services with grocery shopping in a way that makes life a little easier. Other retailers, such as Five Below and Big Lots, are still on the rise and might find some of those vacant former Rite Aid locations appealing.
Looking Ahead
The landscape of Michigan’s retail sector is changing, and former Rite Aid locations are at the heart of this transformation. As these spaces evolve, we’re likely to see healthcare emerging as a favored use, especially with the success of developments like the one in Owosso. The focus on enhancing convenience, with features like drive-thru services, is part of a growing trend.
As communities adapt, innovative plans are underway even in places like Wyandotte, which are eyeing the addition of cozy spots like Biggby Coffee alongside other retail and healthcare opportunities. So, stay tuned—there’s lots of action happening in the former Rite Aid spaces, and it looks like Michigan is ready for some fresh and exciting changes!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WCRZ: Michigan Residents Who Shopped at Rite Aid May Be Eligible for a Big Payout
- Google Search: Rite Aids in Michigan closures
- Free Press: Rite Aid Stores in Michigan Will Close by End of September
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rite Aid
- Click on Detroit: Rite Aid to Close All Michigan Stores: What We Know
- Google News: Rite Aids in Michigan
- Lansing State Journal: UM Health-Sparrow Rite Aid Store Expansion
- Ohio Capital Journal: Rite Aid is Closing 44 More Stores, All But Two Are in Ohio and Michigan
