Rite Aid started in 1962 in Scranton, Pennsylvania by Alexander Grass. The first store was called Thrif D Discount Center.
By 1965, the chain had expanded into 5 states, mostly through acquisitions. By 1972, the chain had over 270 stores in 10 states and in 1981 it became the 3rd largest drugstore chain in the US.
In March 2019, the company cut more than 400 corporate and administrative jobs, trying to break even, even though the company sold 2,000 locations and distribution centers to Walgreens.
The Rite Aid corporate office is located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.