When you think of Rite Aid, prescriptions and toiletries probably come to mind. But did you know that nearly half of Rite Aid stores nationwide also sell alcohol? It‘s true – 47.5% of Rite Aid locations sell beer and/or wine, according to a 2021 study by the Alcohol Research Group.
However, the exact types of alcohol sold at Rite Aid vary widely based on state and local regulations. 21 states allow drugstores like Rite Aid to sell beer and wine, while only 14 states permit spirits sales, per the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. And even within states that allow it, alcohol availability differs by city and county.
Rite Aid shopper Ellen Masterson learned this the hard way during a recent road trip. "I stopped at a Rite Aid in Utah to pick up some ibuprofen and figured I‘d grab a six-pack too. No dice – the beer cooler was full of soda and energy drinks instead," she says. "But then in Nevada, the Rite Aid had a bigger liquor section than my local grocery store!"
So what kinds of adult beverages will you find at Rite Aid? According to the company‘s website, stores typically stock a selection of popular beers like Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Corona, and Heineken. Wine offerings focus on major brands like Barefoot, Yellow Tail, and Sutter Home.
Some Rite Aid locations have expanded their alcohol options in recent years to cater to changing consumer tastes. "Our stores in the Pacific Northwest carry a lot more regional craft beer and local wines than they did a few years ago," noted a Rite Aid district manager in Oregon who asked to remain anonymous. "We‘ve also added more premium spirits like Bulleit bourbon and Tito‘s vodka as that category has taken off."
Indeed, alcohol sales at drugstores have increased steadily over the past decade as supermarkets and convenience stores have faced more competition from discount grocers and online retailers. A 2019 Nielsen report found that beer and wine sales at drugstores grew 2.4% year-over-year, outpacing growth at grocery and liquor stores.
Buying alcohol at Rite Aid does offer certain advantages for shoppers. "I love that I can pick up a bottle of wine while getting my flu shot or photos developed," says loyal Rite Aid customer Jamal Eaton. "It‘s way more convenient than making a separate trip to the liquor store, especially if I only need one or two things."
Rite Aid has also introduced private label alcohol brands in some markets, aiming to attract budget-conscious shoppers. The drugstore‘s Tugboat Bay wines and Spiritz seltzers cost about 20% less than comparable name brand products. "Private label is a huge growth opportunity for us in the alcohol space," the anonymous district manager said. "The margins are great and we can be more competitive on price."
However, not everyone is on board with the increasing availability of alcohol at Rite Aid and other drugstores. Some public health advocates argue that it normalizes and encourages alcohol consumption. "Having alcohol in what‘s supposed to be a health-focused store sends a mixed message, especially for kids and teens," says Diane Rizzo, executive director of the advocacy group Alcohol Justice.
There are also concerns around the potential for increased alcohol thefts, underage sales, and intoxicated customers causing disturbances in stores. In a 2020 survey by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, 27% of drugstore managers reported experiencing an alcohol-related security incident over the past year.
Rite Aid says it takes responsible alcohol sales seriously. "We strictly enforce ID checks for age-restricted products and provide training for our associates on safe sales practices," a company spokesperson said via email. Stores also limit alcohol sales hours and abide by all local regulations.
Looking ahead, the landscape of alcohol sales at drugstores faces some uncertainty. A growing number of states have proposed legislation to restrict alcohol sales at pharmacies, spurred by public health concerns. The rise of grocery delivery services like Instacart also makes it easier than ever to order alcohol online from local retailers.
However, experts predict that convenience will continue to be a major factor for alcohol consumers. "People are busier than ever and want to be able to get all their shopping done in one place," said analyst Linda Carlin of BevAlc Insights. "Drugstores are well positioned to benefit from that trend if they can offer competitive selection and pricing."
Despite the regulatory complexities, selling alcohol will likely remain an important part of Rite Aid‘s retail strategy, at least in the short term. Alcohol accounted for nearly $200 million in sales for Rite Aid in fiscal year 2020, according to company financial filings.
"Alcohol may not drive foot traffic like prescriptions, but it‘s a high-margin category for us and the repeat purchase rate is extremely strong," the district manager noted. "Plus, our liquor shoppers buy a lot of snacks, mixers, and other profit-driving items in the same visit. It‘s hard to ignore that kind of incremental business."
So the next time you‘re running errands at your neighborhood Rite Aid, take a peek at the beverage cooler or shelf. Depending on your location, you may find more options than you‘d expect to quench your thirst or stock your bar cart. Just remember to bring your ID – and maybe pick up some aspirin for the morning after while you‘re at it!
