ICYMI — Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy last week and plans to close 154 locations across the nation this November. This includes six stores in the Seattle area — two Rite Aids in Mill Creek and Everett and four Bartell Drug locations in Redmond, Bellevue, and Lynnwood.
While the closings will certainly cause inconveniences for a lot of residents, the news comes with a greater significance as Bartell was a locally-owned chain for 130 years.
A little history
Bartell Drugs sold to Rite Aid in 2020 for $95 million, but had deep Seattle roots beforehand. Here’s a little timeline of events.
- 1890 | George H. Bartell Sr. — a 21-year-old pharmacist — buys Lake Washington Pharmacy in Central District.
- 1917 | The pharmacy opens a photo lab at its 1906 Boren Ave. location — a groundbreaking service at the time.
- 1939 | George H. Bartell Jr. takes over the business.
- 1990 | His son, George D. Bartell, continues the legacy.
- 1993 | Jean Bartell-Barber — the founder’s granddaughter — joins the company.
- 2015 | The first non-family CEO, former REI executive Brian Unmacht, takes the helm.
- 2020 | Bartell sells to Rite Aid for $95 million.
Use the slider below to see what the location on Greenwood Avenue and 85th Street looked like in the 1950s and now. Did you know? There’s still a Bartell on this street.
Locally owned pharmacies
Support locally-owned pharmacies in Seattle. Here are just a couple of independent stores that have been around for decades:
- Bob Johnson’s Pharmacy, 1407 NW 85th St. | Founded in 1957, this is the bronze winner of Best in the PNW.
- Nguyen Pharmacy, 2120 Rainier Ave. S. #A | This locally-owned pharmacy was established in 1991.
- Katterman’s Pharmacy, 5400 Sand Point Way NE | Katterman’s joined the neighborhood in 1965.