Bi-Mart Is Making A Big Change To One Of Their Services

Bi-Mart announced a major change to services this week, according to KATU.

The grocery store chain made an agreement to sell its 56 pharmacies to Walgreens, reporters say. This applies to stores across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Officials with Bi-Mart say they plan to focus on store operations and expansion across the Pacific Northwest.

If there's not a Walgreens store nearby, pharmacies in Bi-Mart will operate under the Walgreens brand. KATU added that this will primarily affect rural areas in Oregon.

Bi-Mart President and CEO Rich Truett issued this statement on the transition:

"This decision, while difficult, is strategically important as we move to strengthen our solid financial position and expand our plans for future growth in the Northwest. Bi-Mart’s core business is healthy and strong, however over the years factors such as increasing costs and ongoing reimbursement pressure has led in part to our decision. We look forward to partnering with Walgreens to transition our pharmacy staff and members as seamless as possible."

As for patients on file with Bi-Mart, prescriptions will be transferred starting in October. They will be officially notified by mail, officials say.

If you're part of Bi-Mart's pharmacy staff, you will have the opportunity to apply for available positions at Walgreens, according to the company.