Rite Aid opens new headquarters — with no permanent workforce

Rite Aid’s new headquarters reflects the changed nature of office work.

The drug store retailer’s new corporate headquarters is located in South Philadelphia’s historic Navy Yard district. The former shipyard is being transformed into a high-tech hub, with future plans for retail and residential spaces.

Last September, Rite Aid said it planned to move its longtime home base from Camp Hill, Pa., to Philadelphia, where it would take a “remote-first” approach. The company cited an employee survey which revealed that remote work was preferable for most, but with the desire for occasional in-person meetings.

Rite Aid’s new headquarters, or “Collaboration Center,” is designed to bring the chain’s remote corporate workforce and employees together in a modern space with state-of-the-art amenities. Designed by Wynnewood-based Meyer Design, the 23,000-sq.-ft. center features a variety of conference rooms equipped with digital Neat Boards for video conferencing, a digital/video studio and a Genius Bar to support IT needs.  While there are smaller private spaces that can be reserved, there are no personal offices.

In addition, the space boasts such amenities as a catering kitchen, multiple food and beverage stations, a business center and a “respite room” for nursing, prayer and meditation.

Rite Aid has entered into a long-term lease with Ensemble Real Estate Solutions for the space which can accommodate up to 300 associates.

“This new collaboration space represents how we are modernizing our brand from the inside out,” said Rite Aid president and CEO Heyward Donigan. “We are not only transforming our business to better serve our customers, but we are embracing new ways of working that blends a remote-first corporate workforce with opportunities for in-person collaboration.”

The new headquarters offers teams across Rite Aid’s various businesses – including Rite Aid retail pharmacy, Elixir, Health Dialog and Bartell Drugs – space to meet, collaborate, engage clients and partners, and “cultivate the kind of strong professional relationships that serve as the bedrock for successful remote teams,” according to the company.

Rite Aid has 2,350 stores across 17 states, including 223 in Philadelphia and its surrounding area.