Area Development
Rite Aid Corporation plans to build a 900,000-square-foot distribution center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The new distribution center is expected to employ nearly 600 people after it becomes fully operational and will support the inventory and fulfillment needs of approximately 1,000 Rite Aid stores in the southeastern United States.

The Spartanburg distribution center, a $90 million project, will be Rite Aid’s first new distribution facility in 15 years. In April 2014, after a comprehensive review of its supply chain and logistics network, Rite Aid announced its plan to consolidate three of its existing distribution centers, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Charlotte, North Carolina and Poca, West Virginia., into one new facility, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve operating efficiency across the company. The new site’s convenient location along the I-85 corridor offers easy access to markets across the Southeast.

“Spartanburg is an ideal location for our new distribution center. We thank the state of South Carolina for their cooperation and support during our site selection process, and we look forward to breaking ground on our new facility, which will help us to further optimize our supply chain and better serve our stores and customers across the Southeast,” said Rite Aid Chairman/CEO John Standley

As an incentive, Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. Additionally, the South Carolina Power Team, in conjunction with Broad River Electric Cooperative, committed a $520,000 grant for infrastructure in support of the project.

“Spartanburg County welcomes Rite Aid to our community and thanks the many partners involved in making it a reality. Economic development is a team sport and this investment and creation of nearly 600 jobs would not have been possible without the efforts of the Economic Futures Group, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Johnson Development, Broad River Electric, SC Power Team, the Spartanburg County Transportation Committee and the valuable employees of Spartanburg County,” said David Britt, Chairman of the Economic Recruitment and Development Committee of Spartanburg County and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.

“The Upstate’s proximity to metro markets makes it an ideal location for distribution operations. The Inland Port in Greer experienced strong volumes in its first year, thanks in part to its strategic location in this growing region. We welcome Rite Aid to the Upstate,” South Carolina Ports Authority President/CEO Jim Newsome noted.

“Connectivity is important to all facets of business and Rite Aid's decision to locate their distribution center in the Upstate is a testament to our ability to support continued growth in the Southeast. We welcome Rite Aid to the region and congratulate the economic development team in South Carolina on another great win, Upstate S.C. Alliance President/CEO John Lummus added.