More WA Rite Aid and Bartell sites added to chains' store shutdown list
The lists, released June 5 and June 6, included 25 and 207 store locations nationwide, respectively, with a combined 23 sites in Washington. The bulk are Rite Aid drugstores, except for four Bartell Drugs — one of those in Tacoma. The Seattle-based Bartell drugstore chain is a subsidiary of Rite Aid.
For Pierce County, the new closure lists include:
▪ Rite Aid at 5700 100th St. SW, Suite 100, Lakewood
▪ Bartell Drugs at 3601 Sixth Ave., Tacoma
▪ Rite Aid at 12811 Meridian St. E., Puyallup
▪ Rite Aid at 21302 State Route 410 E., Bonney Lake
In Thurston County, the June 6 list included the Rite Aid at 305 Cooper Point Road NW.
Other Washington locations on the new lists include:
▪ Rite Aid, 2131 SW 336th St., Federal Way
▪ Rite Aid, 10407 SE 256th St., Kent
▪ Rite Aid, 3116 NE Sunset Boulevard, Renton
▪ Rite Aid, 17615 140th Ave. SE, Renton
▪ Rite Aid, 7500-A 196th St. SW Lynnwood
▪ Rite Aid, 2860 NW Bucklin Hill Road, Silverdale
▪ Rite Aid, 11700 Muilteo Speedway No. 500, Mukilteo
▪ Bartell Drugs, 2222 32nd Ave. W., Seattle
▪ Rite Aid, 4514 S. Regal St., Spokane
▪ Rite Aid, 19475 7th Ave. NE, Poulsbo
▪ Rite Aid, 1901 N. Steptoe St., Kennewick
▪ Bartell Drugs, 419 NE 71st. St., Seattle
▪ Rite Aid, 1065 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah
▪ Bartell Drugs, 11020 19th Ave. SE, Everett
▪ Rite Aid, 364 Triangle Shopping Center, Longview
▪ Rite Aid, 3227 Northwest Ave., Bellingham
▪ Rite Aid, 1329 Lee Blvd., Richland
▪ Rite Aid, 12420 N. Division St., Spokane
Rite Aid is closing hundreds of stores nationwide amid its latest bankruptcy. CVS Pharmacy has agreed to acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across 15 states, as well as acquire 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Other stores that remain on Rite Aid's website as open in Pierce County include two stores in Tacoma (1912 N. Pearl St. and 7041 Pacific Ave.) a store in Spanaway and three locations in Puyallup. Bartell is set to have one Pierce County site remaining, in Gig Harbor.
With the new filings, the Washington stores slated for closure now total nearly 50.
No dates have been announced for when the stores will shutter. Oregon had several additional stores listed for closure, and Idaho had one.
See previous coverage for earlier closure lists.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
29 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
How Eckhart Tolle Turned Stillness into a Multi-Million Dollar Empire
In an era where noise equals value and attention is currency, Eckhart Tolle's quiet empire stands as a paradox: a low-key spiritual teacher who turned stillness into scalable revenue. The German-born, Vancouver-based author is best known for his transformational bestsellers The Power of Now and A New Earth , but few realize the depth and structure of the Eckhart Tolle business model behind his serene public presence. This article peels back the layers of a multimillion-dollar operation that monetises presence, awareness, and peace — not through mass consumerism, but via publishing royalties, digital subscriptions, high-ticket retreats, and a strategically limited brand ecosystem. Here's how Eckhart Tolle built one of America's most financially efficient spiritual businesses without ever appearing overtly commercial. The Foundation of Eckhart Tolle's Business: Books, Brand, and Digital Presence Eckhart Tolle's rise to fame began with the self-published release of The Power of Now in 1997. It was quietly passed from hand to hand until Oprah Winfrey featured it on her book club in 2000, turning the title into an international sensation. His follow-up, A New Earth (2005), cemented his place in the upper echelon of global self-help literature. The real engine here wasn't just sales — it was brand crystallisation. Tolle's persona became inseparable from the experience of the books: minimalist covers, philosophical prose, and his calm media appearances all built a recognisable brand asset. By focusing on timelessness and simplicity, Tolle didn't just write spiritual books—he created a lifestyle identity, turning his name into a marketable intellectual property in the U.S. personal growth ecosystem. He never diluted his message through excessive appearances or rapid releases. This calculated scarcity made his content — and by extension, his brand — feel more premium and essential. Monetising Awareness: How Tolle's Publishing and Royalties Model Works Tolle's publishing contracts, initially with Namaste Publishing and later with Penguin Group and New World Library, are reportedly based on above-standard royalty agreements — a likely outcome of Oprah-backed demand and consistent best-seller performance. In traditional U.S. publishing deals, authors earn about 10–15% in royalties from hardcover sales and 7–10% from paperbacks, but high-performing titles like The Power of Now , which has sold over three million copies in the U.S. alone, can trigger escalator clauses, enhanced royalty splits, or even profit-sharing models. Given his status, it is reasonable to estimate that Tolle's U.S. royalty earnings exceed seven figures annually just from books alone. Moreover, his titles have become evergreen staples in the $10.5 billion U.S. self-help publishing market, which continues to grow annually at 5–6%. Tolle's position in the spiritual/self-realisation subcategory ensures not only consistent sales but recurring passive income from reprints, translations, and audiobook versions. Beyond the Bookshelf: Eckhart Tolle TV and the Subscription-Based Content Model Perhaps the most strategically sophisticated aspect of the Eckhart Tolle business model is his digital platform, Launched as a proprietary content hub, the site offers exclusive video teachings, guided meditations, and discussions with Kim Eng (his teaching partner). Rather than relying on YouTube monetisation or open-access content, Tolle's team positioned the site as a premium subscription service, offering monthly access to digital stillness for a fee. As of mid-2025, subscription pricing sits at: $19.95/month $149/year (a ~38% discount) Content is released monthly, creating evergreen media assets with high retention potential. Monthly Membership Dynamics and Digital Scalability This subscription model offers a masterclass in high-margin, low-overhead business operations. Unlike book publishing, which includes printing, distribution, and retailer margins, digital content has virtually zero unit cost after production. Let's assume a conservative estimate of 50,000 active U.S. subscribers — which aligns with mid-tier subscription benchmarks for niche spiritual platforms. At $19.95/month, that alone equates to $1 million monthly recurring revenue or $12 million annually, with minimal infrastructure costs. More importantly, the lifetime value of a subscriber—typically measured as customer longevity × monthly payment—is far higher than that of a casual book buyer. If the average subscriber stays for just one year, that's $149, compared to a one-time $15 book sale. This model allows Tolle's business to scale quietly yet powerfully, leaning into digital infrastructure rather than celebrity tours or mass-market merchandise. Partnership with Oprah Winfrey: Turning Thought Leadership into Cultural Capital The single most pivotal inflection point in the Eckhart Tolle business model came through his collaboration with Oprah Winfrey. In 2008, they launched a 10-week live webcast series dissecting A New Earth , drawing over 35 million views globally — a media milestone in both spiritual and internet history. More than just exposure, the Oprah alliance turned Tolle into mainstream intellectual currency. He became a recurring guest on SuperSoul Sunday and co-created online courses that blended Oprah's audience reach with Tolle's conceptual gravity. This strategic alignment gave Tolle access to: Oprah's vast email marketing and CRM channels Global brand legitimacy beyond 'new-age' circles Immense traffic to his digital products and courses It was a cross-platform partnership, not a one-off appearance — a vital distinction in modern media monetisation. Selling Transformation: Tolle's Online Courses and Certification Revenues Tolle's team capitalised on the post-Oprah momentum by launching a suite of premium online courses, including: The Power of Presence ($197) Being the Light ($297) Living a Life of Presence (bundle packages up to $499) These courses are hosted on his website and third-party platforms like Sounds True, offering high-definition video teachings, downloadable workbooks, and multi-week learning journeys. While there is no official certification program akin to Deepak Chopra's wellness coaching franchise, affiliate commissions for resellers and partners suggest an informal influencer ecosystem. This lean approach allows Tolle to monetise transformation without commodifying his image through licensing or training programs. Event Economics: From Quiet Retreats to High-Ticket Mindfulness Gatherings Tolle's live appearances are few and far between — and that's by design. His in-person retreats are positioned not as motivational seminars, but as luxury immersive experiences, often hosted in upscale venues across California, Hawaii, or Europe. A typical retreat includes: 3–5 days of teachings Meditation and silent reflection sessions Premium accommodation and meals Ticket prices range from $895 (early bird, basic access) to over $2,500 for premium packages. Limited to a few hundred participants, these events function more like private masterminds than general public lectures. The Role of Scarcity and Exclusivity in Pricing This model hinges on scarcity economics. By offering few events, avoiding overexposure, and limiting ticket availability, Tolle maintains a high perceived value around his presence. This also shields the brand from dilution. Instead of turning teachings into mass-market spectacles (à la Tony Robbins), the exclusive access principle keeps demand high and costs manageable — no arenas, no giant production crews. It's minimalism as monetisation. E-Commerce and Merchandise: Silent Expansion Through Branded Calm Tolle's e-commerce presence is subtle but structured. His official store features: Guided audio meditations (avg. $15–$25) Journals and mindfulness prompts Digital downloads of past retreats Limited branded apparel and gift bundles Rather than flooding the market, his product strategy mirrors his teachings: less is more. Though merchandise is not the core revenue engine, it enhances average order value for website visitors and serves as an onboarding path for deeper offerings like subscriptions or courses. Affiliate Ecosystem and Cross-Brand Collaborations Interestingly, the Eckhart Tolle business model has largely eschewed commercial brand partnerships with wellness apps, meditation startups, or corporate sponsors — a notable divergence from peers like Sam Harris or Deepak Chopra. This may be a deliberate choice: to maintain brand purity and avoid the trap of over-commercialisation, which could compromise the trust of his philosophically-inclined audience. Yet the absence itself is telling — and strategic. By not monetising every opportunity, Tolle creates an aura of authenticity, reinforcing the value of what is offered. Stillness as a Service: The Paradox of Monetising Presence in America's Capitalist System The Eckhart Tolle business model may be one of the most counterintuitive case studies in modern entrepreneurship. It monetises silence, yet not cheaply. It preaches presence, yet thrives on subscription economics. It builds brand equity not through mass marketing, but through intentional digital scarcity and psychological alignment with its audience. In a hyperstimulated American attention economy, Tolle's model proves that stillness itself is a luxury—one that people will gladly pay for if packaged with care, consistency, and calm. His empire isn't spiritual capitalism in disguise. It's capitalism redesigned around non-urgency. And that, perhaps, is its most revolutionary feature. Final Takeaway: In a world of noise, Eckhart Tolle didn't sell enlightenment. He sold access to silence—strategically, sustainably, and profitably. That's not just a spiritual movement. That's a business model for the future of mindful commerce. This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any individual, company, or entity mentioned. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
CNBC
38 minutes ago
- CNBC
Berkshire Hathaway operating earnings dip 4% as conglomerate braces for tariff impact
Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday reported a small decline in second-quarter operating earnings as Warren Buffett's conglomerate warns of negative impacts from steep U.S. tariffs. Berkshire's operating profit — those from the company's wholly owned businesses including insurance and railroads — dipped 4% year over year to $11.16 billion in the second quarter. The results were impacted by a decline in insurance underwriting, while railroad, energy, manufacturing, service and retailing all saw higher profits from a year ago. The Omaha-based conglomerate once again issued a stern warning of President Donald Trump's tariffs and the potential impact on its various businesses. "The pace of changes in these events, including tensions from developing international trade policies and tariffs, accelerated through the first six months of 2025," Berkshire said in its earnings report. "Considerable uncertainty remains as to the ultimate outcome of these events." "It is reasonably possible there could be adverse consequences on most, if not all, of our operating businesses, as well as on our investments in equity securities, which could significantly affect our future results," it said. Buffett's cash hoard fell slightly to $344.1 billion, from the $347 billion level at the end of March. The conglomerate didn't repurchase any stock in the first half of 2025 even as shares declined more than 10% from a record high. In May, the 94-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" announced that he's stepping down as CEO at the end of 2025 after experiencing the physical effects of aging. Greg Abel, Berkshire's vice-chairman of non-insurance operations, is set to take over as CEO, while Buffett will remain as chairman of Berkshire's board.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Raising Cane's opening new locations in 6 states in August. Here's where.
Raising Cane's is continuing its expansion this summer. After opening five new restaurants in July, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based chain known for its chicken fingers said in a statement to USA TODAY it is opening seven more locations across six states in August, including its first restaurant in the Long Beach, California area. Other states getting new locations include Florida, Wisconsin and Maryland, among others, Raising Cane's said in an emailed statement on July 28. Here's what to know about this month's Raising Cane's openings. Which states are getting new Raising Cane's locations? New restaurants are scheduled to open at the following locations on the following dates, according to the chain: What is Raising Cane's? The company sells chicken sandwiches and chicken finger combos including crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, coleslaw and Cane's sauce, which the company says is made with a "special blend of spices." Raising Cane's owner Todd Graves initially planned to call his restaurant Sockeye's, a nod to the salmon he once fished in Alaska. However, a friend suggested he name the company after his yellow Labrador Retriever, Raising Cane, who spent lots of time at the construction site of the first Raising Cane's location at the north gates of Louisiana State University. The dog, Cane I, served as the company's mascot until he died in 1998, according to the chain. He was friendly and loved to wear Graves' sunglasses. Raising Cane's second mascot, Cane II, stepped into her role in 1999. She was a therapy dog who visited hospital patients around the country. As the company mascot, Cane II spent time at the company's Restaurant Support Office and attended community events until 2016. Most recently, Cane III, born in 2017, was appointed mascot. "She loves visiting Raising Cane's Restaurants and receiving belly rubs from crewmembers," the company said, noting that Raising Cane's fans can follow her on social media at @RaisingCane3. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
