Rite Aid to close 63 stores over the next several months – USA TODAY

Rite Aid said it plans to close 63 stores over the next several months they say will help cut costs and “drive improved profitability.”

The closures were confirmed during the pharmacy chain’s third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday by CEO Heyward Donigan.

“The decision to close the stores is one we take very seriously as we evaluate the impact on our associates, our customers and our communities,” Donigan said.

Rite Aid did not reveal which locations will close as part of the company’s plans.

Impacted workers will have the opportunity to transfer to another store, Donigan said, while the pharmacy chain works to make sure the transfer of prescriptions to other locations is “automatic and seamless.”

►Check your refrigerator: Fresh Express recalls salad products due to listeria risk

►Retirees beware: This sneaky problem could blow up your retirement plan

Donigan said the number of shuttered locations could increase as it finalizes its plan over the next several months.

Rite Aid isn’t the only pharmacy chain shutting down stores. Last month, fellow pharmacy giant CVS confirmed last month plans to close 900 stores over the next three years, representing 10% of all locations.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.