The new Rite Aid store in Dexter, considered to be among the more attractive of its buildings, will be used as a model for others, including one in Dover-Foxcroft. The Rite Aid in Newport reflects an earlier design, which the company changed in response to public reaction. Series home page Rite Aid, oriented to automobile traffic, tries to better conform to Maine's architectural traditions. But don't let the small-town image fool you. Over the past three years, Rite Aid has become a landmark on Maine's most well-traveled roadways from York to Madawaska.
Drugs represent less than half of total sales.
Increasingly, Rite Aid has become a destination for cosmetics, prepared foods, photo developing and small appliances. More than a pharmacy, it's positioning itself to be Maine's general store for the 21st century. But the Rite Aid explosion hasn't always been welcomed. Aside from basic concerns that the chain can hurt small, local businesses, some communities say Rite Aid builds stores that damage the look and identity of their towns. Rite Aid is responding, by being more sensitive to the desires of residents and designing buildings more in keeping with Maine tradition.