For generations, Bartell Drugs was more than just a pharmacy in the Seattle area; it was a beloved local institution. Its location at 18001 Bothell Everett Hwy in Mill Creek served the community for over 15 years, becoming a convenient stop for prescriptions, local gifts, and everyday essentials . However, the landscape of local retail has shifted, and this chapter of Mill Creek history has officially come to a close. As of late 2023, the Bartell Drugs in Mill Creek has permanently closed its doors as part of the broader financial restructuring of its parent company, Rite Aid .
The Rise and Fall of a Local Icon
The Mill Creek store first opened with great fanfare in August 2009. At nearly 15,000 square feet, it was a modern drugstore for its time, featuring a full-service pharmacy with a drive-thru window, a retail clinic, and a unique selection of front-store items that set Bartell apart from national chains . The company’s strategy was to turn every shopping trip into a “treasure hunt” by stocking local favorites like Tim’s Cascade chips and Theo Chocolate alongside everyday necessities .
This focus on service and local products fostered deep customer loyalty . Longtime shoppers frequently praised the friendly staff and knowledgeable pharmacists who remembered them by name .
However, the independent spirit that made Bartell special also made it vulnerable. Competition from giants like Walmart and Amazon, coupled with narrowing pharmacy profit margins, put immense pressure on the business . In late 2020, the 135-year-old chain was sold to Rite Aid in a bid to preserve the brand .
The Transition and Customer Experience
Unfortunately, the acquisition led to a decline in the customer experience that many locals had cherished. Following the sale, the Mill Creek location—like many others—saw a wave of mixed reviews. While some customers continued to have positive interactions, a significant number reported long waits at the drive-thru, confusion with insurance, and a perceived drop in the level of service .
A particularly detailed account from a disabled customer in mid-2024 highlighted significant accessibility issues with the pharmacy’s drive-thru. The customer reported inconsistent operating hours and an unwillingness to accommodate disabilities, leading them to transfer their prescriptions elsewhere . This story reflected a broader sentiment that the pharmacy was struggling to maintain the standards it was once known for.
The Final Chapter
The end came swiftly. After Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy, the remaining Bartell stores were either sold to CVS or closed entirely. By September 2023, the Mill Creek location was gutted, with most shelves bare and only liquidation banners remaining . For many, the final closure wasn’t just about losing a pharmacy; it was about watching a piece of local heritage disappear. As one longtime employee lamented, “Customers used to be so happy to come in. It’s a sad day” .
Detailed FAQs About the Bartell Drugs Mill Creek Location
1. Is the Bartell Drugs in Mill Creek still open?
No, the Bartell Drugs located at 18001 Bothell Everett Hwy in Mill Creek has permanently closed . It was one of the final locations to shut down as part of the liquidation of the historic chain following Rite Aid’s bankruptcy.
2. What were the Bartell Drugs Mill Creek hours before it closed?
Before its closure, the pharmacy typically operated from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays . However, customer reviews from 2024 noted that the drive-thru hours were often inconsistent and not clearly posted .
3. What happened to my prescription records?
When the Bartell Drugs in Mill Creek closed, its prescription files were transferred to a nearby pharmacy. According to reports on the closure of Bartell locations, prescriptions were generally sent to the CVS Pharmacy located at 22833 Bothell Everett Hwy . You can also have your prescriptions transferred to any pharmacy of your choice by contacting them directly.
4. Did the Mill Creek location have a drive-thru?
Yes, the Mill Creek Bartell had a drive-thru pharmacy . In its later years, however, the drive-thru became a source of frustration for many customers due to long wait times and reports of it being closed unexpectedly during posted pharmacy hours .
5. What other pharmacy services did this location offer?
In addition to standard prescription filling, the pharmacy offered immunizations, medication counseling, and accepted Medicaid . The store was also a participating location for Washington State’s secure drug take-back program, allowing for the safe disposal of unused or expired medications .
6. Why did Bartell Drugs go out of business?
Bartell Drugs struggled due to a combination of factors: increased competition from large retailers and online giants, shrinking pharmacy profits, and the high costs of operating as a regional chain. The sale to Rite Aid in 2020 failed to save the business, as Rite Aid soon faced its own financial crises and bankruptcy, ultimately leading to the liquidation of the Bartell brand .
7. Are there other Bartell Drugs locations still open?
No. The final three Bartell Drugs stores, including the one in Mill Creek, closed their doors for good in late 2023. The remaining locations were either sold and rebranded as CVS or shut down entirely, marking the end of the 135-year-old brand .
8. Where can I go for pharmacy services in Mill Creek now?
There are several alternative pharmacies near the old Bartell location. These include:
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CVS Pharmacy: 22833 Bothell Everett Hwy
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Rite Aid: 16222 Bothell Everett Hwy
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Safeway Pharmacy: 3322 132nd St SE
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Walgreens: 20812 Bothell Everett Hwy
