What isn't clear is whether the Bartell name that has been such a presence in the Seattle area will survive, with several experts warning that the ubiquitous brand could disappear.

Bankrupt U.S. pharmacy chain Rite Aid on Thursday said it agreed to sell pharmacy assets from more than 1,000 store locations in separate transactions to CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger and Giant Eagle,

The sale transactions are subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The court is scheduled to conduct a hearing to approve the sales on Wednesday.