Rite Aid reports loss in same-store sales for July

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid announced a 0.6% decrease in same-store sales for the month of July.

The retailer also reported that July front-end same-store sales decreased 4.7% while pharmacy same-store sales, which included an approximate 436 basis points negative impact from new generic introductions, increased 1.4%.

For the four weeks ended July 25, same-store sales excluding the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores were flat with front-end same-store sales decreasing 4.6% and pharmacy same store sales increasing 2.7%. Meanwhile, same-store sales at the acquired Brooks Eckerd stores declined 2% over the prior-year period with front-end same store sales decreasing 5% and pharmacy same-store sales decreasing 1%.

Total drug store sales for the four-week period decreased 2.4% to $1.929 billion ,compared with $1.975 billion for the same period last year. Prescription revenue accounted for 68.1% of drugstore sales, and third party prescription revenue represented 96.2% of pharmacy sales.