After Rite Aid closed all 180 of its stores in Michigan following a bankruptcy filing in 2023, many of its empty buildings could have become forgotten spaces. But across the state, businesses are stepping in with fresh ideas, turning these vacant stores into grocery expansions, healthcare facilities, car washes, and more.
Plum Market Expands Into Former Rite Aid in Bloomfield Township
One of the most talked-about transformations is happening at Plum Market in Bloomfield Township. The family-owned grocery store, operating for 18 years at Maple and Lahser roads, grabbed the opportunity to expand by acquiring the adjacent 10,000-square-foot former Rite Aid space.
“We’ve wanted to grow since we opened, so this was a great chance for us,” said CEO Matt Jonna.
The $4 million renovation will boost the store’s size from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet. The expansion will offer more space for produce, meat, seafood, floral arrangements, and even a larger wine, beer, and liquor section. The expansion is being done in two phases—finishing in May and August.
A local pharmacy, Village Pharmacy, will also open inside the store, combining traditional drugstore services with natural remedies and supplements. Marc Jonna, co-founder and president, added, “People missed having a pharmacy nearby, so we’re bringing that back.”
Health Sector Steps In to Fill the Gaps
Across the state, former Rite Aid buildings are being reused in health care. In Lansing, UM Health is turning a former store into a health facility offering a pharmacy and urgent care. In Owosso, Memorial Healthcare opened a new urgent care center, pharmacy, and outpatient services in another closed Rite Aid location.
Brian Long, CEO of Memorial Health System, said the location was perfect: “It’s a major intersection with great visibility and parking. We even added a drive-thru for easy access.”
In Midland, Kroger purchased a closed Rite Aid building for $3.5 million. Although plans are still under wraps, the company has long wanted to expand in the area.
Other Creative Uses: Car Washes, Coffee Shops & Mixed-Use Spaces
Not just healthcare and groceries—other businesses are also finding new life in old pharmacy buildings. In St. Clair Shores, a former Rite Aid is being turned into a modern single-tunnel car wash by Express Wash Concepts.
In Wyandotte, the old Rite Aid on Biddle Avenue is being split into four smaller units. One of the spaces might become a Biggby Coffee with a drive-thru, according to the project’s real estate agent. This flexible use makes the location more appealing to potential tenants.
Opportunities in Smaller Towns
Experts say urban locations, especially those at busy intersections or shopping centers, are more likely to get a new life. In rural areas, the options may be different. Experts suggest smaller businesses like grocery stores, indoor games like pickleball courts, golf simulators, or even schools and churches could take over these spaces.
With rising online shopping trends and pressure on traditional retail stores, these changes show how businesses are adapting. Vic Veda from the Michigan Retailers Association says, “We’re not against e-commerce. But we want to give customers a reason to visit shops in person by offering something unique.”
