Rite Aid News

Rite Aid Reports 0.6 Percent Same Store Sales Increase for May

CAMP HILL, PA (June 4, 2009)-Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) today announced sales results for May.

Monthly Sales

For the five weeks ended May 30, 2009, same store sales increased 0.6 percent over the prior year period. May front-end same store sales decreased 1.5 percent while pharmacy same store sales, which included an approximate 511 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, increased 1.6 percent.

For the five weeks ended May 30, 2009, same store sales excluding the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores increased 1.5 percent compared to the prior-year period with front-end same store sales decreasing 1.1 percent and pharmacy same store sales increasing 3.0 percent.

For the five weeks ended May 30, 2009, same store sales at the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores declined 1.4 percent over the prior-year period with front-end same store sales decreasing 2.5 percent and pharmacy same store sales decreasing 1.0 percent.

Total drugstore sales for the five-week period decreased 1.3 percent to $2.507 billion compared to $2.539 billion for the same period last year. Prescription revenue accounted for 67.7 percent of drugstore sales, and third party prescription revenue represented 96.2 percent of pharmacy sales.

Quarterly Sales

Same store sales for the 13-week quarter ended May 30, 2009 increased 0.6 percent over the prior-year period. Front-end same store sales were down 1.6 percent. Pharmacy same store sales increased 1.6 percent.

For the 13 weeks ended May 30, 2009, same store sales excluding the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores increased 1.5 percent over the prior-year period with front-end same store sales decreasing 1.4 percent and pharmacy same store sales growing 3.1 percent.

For the 13 weeks ended May 30, 2009, same store sales at the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores decreased 1.3 percent over the prior-year period. Front-end same store sales decreased 2.0 percent. Pharmacy same store sales decreased 1.1 percent.

Total drugstore sales for this 13-week first quarter decreased 1.2 percent to $6.506 billion compared to $6.586 billion in last year's like period. Prescription revenue represented 68.2 percent of total drugstore sales, and third party prescription revenue was 96.3 percent of pharmacy sales.

Rite Aid is one of the nation's largest drugstore chains. On May 30, 2009, the company operated 4,825 stores compared to 5,004 stores in the like period a year ago. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at http://www.riteaid.com.

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Contact:

Investors:Frank Vitrano 717-972-3948 or investor@riteaid.com

Media:Karen Rugen 717-730-7766