If you've driven past the corner of Sayre Street and Foothill Boulevard lately, things look different. Empty. That familiar Rite Aid Sylmar Foothill location, sitting right at 13803 Foothill Blvd, isn't the bustling hub it used to be. For years, it was the place where you’d grab a last-minute birthday card, a gallon of Thrifty ice cream, or wait in that slightly too-long line for a flu shot.
Now? The signs are down. The doors are locked.
It’s part of a massive, messy corporate collapse that basically wiped the brand off the map in California. This isn't just a "store closed" sign; it's the end of an era for Sylmar residents who relied on that specific drive-thru.
The July Shutdown: Why Rite Aid Sylmar Foothill Closed
The rumors started swirling early in 2025, but the hammer finally dropped in July. On July 3, 2025, the Rite Aid on Foothill Boulevard officially ended its run. It wasn't a surprise to those following the business news—Rite Aid had been struggling with a massive debt load and legal battles for a long time.
But for the person just trying to pick up their blood pressure meds, the technicalities of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy don't matter much. What matters is that the prescriptions had to go somewhere.
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Most of the records from this specific store were transferred over to the CVS Pharmacy at 12717 Glenoaks Blvd. If you were a regular at the Foothill spot, your data basically moved a mile or so down the road. Honestly, it’s a hassle. Changing pharmacies is like changing doctors; you've got to re-learn the staff, the layout, and hope they don't mess up your insurance info.
What’s Happening With the Building Now?
You might notice "For Lease" signs appearing. As of early 2026, the property at 13803 Foothill Blvd is officially on the market.
It’s a big space—over 17,000 square feet. Because it was built relatively recently (around 2012), it’s actually a "high-image" retail spot, which is real estate speak for "it looks nice and hasn't fallen apart yet." It even has that valuable drive-thru window.
The location is prime. It’s right across from the Vallarta Market and super close to Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. Whoever takes over that lease is going to have a lot of eyes on them. People in Sylmar are already speculating. Will it be an ALDI? Another dollar store? A medical clinic?
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The Bigger Picture: A Retail Ghost Town?
The closure of Rite Aid Sylmar Foothill wasn't an isolated incident. Across California, the chain has been liquidating. By mid-2025, the company had basically confirmed it was pulling out of the state entirely.
- Over 300 stores closed in California alone.
- Prescription records were sold off in bulk to competitors like Walgreens and CVS.
- The "Thrifty Ice Cream" brand, a staple of the store, was one of the few assets people actually fought over during the bankruptcy auctions.
It feels a bit like a ghost town when these massive corner lots go dark. When a pharmacy closes, it’s not just about losing a place to buy soda. It’s about losing a health resource. Many seniors in the area used that Foothill location because it was walkable or had easy parking compared to some of the more cramped pharmacies deeper in San Fernando.
Where to Go Instead: Sylmar Pharmacy Options
If you’re still feeling the void left by the Foothill closure, you aren't totally out of luck. Sylmar still has a few solid spots, though they’re getting more crowded now that the Rite Aid regulars have migrated.
- CVS Pharmacy (Glenoaks Blvd): This is where your Foothill prescriptions likely ended up. It’s busy, but they have the records.
- Olive Tree Pharmacy: Located at 14124 Foothill Blvd. It’s a smaller, more "neighborhood" feel. Great if you’re tired of the big-box corporate vibe.
- Sylmar Medical Pharmacy: Over at 13677 Foothill Blvd. They handle durable medical equipment too, which is a plus.
- Walgreens: There’s one in San Fernando on Glenoaks that’s a decent backup if CVS is a madhouse.
Actionable Steps for Displaced Customers
If you haven't dealt with your records since the Rite Aid Sylmar Foothill closed, you need to move fast.
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First, call the CVS on Glenoaks (818-367-6116) to confirm they have your active refills. Don't just show up; the wait times have been reportedly high because of the influx of new patients.
Second, if you want to move your prescriptions elsewhere—like a local independent pharmacy—you’ll need to "request a transfer." The new pharmacy does the heavy lifting, but you need your old Rite Aid prescription numbers if you have them.
Lastly, check your insurance. Some plans had "preferred" status with Rite Aid that might not carry over to CVS. You might find that your co-pay changed, and 2026 is not the year anyone wants to pay more for meds.
The loss of the Foothill Rite Aid is a bummer for the community, but the space won't stay empty forever. Keep an eye on that corner; with the hospital nearby, it's only a matter of time before a new tenant moves in.
Next Steps for You: Contact your insurance provider to verify if your current "assigned" pharmacy is still the most cost-effective option for your plan in 2026. If you need to find a new local independent pharmacy, use the NCPA Pharmacy Locator to find a non-chain alternative in the 91342 area.