rite aid A video showing the barren shelves of a Los Angeles Rite Aid has gone viral, drawing both laughter and concern over the struggling retailer recent bankruptcy filing. The clip, posted on September 3 by comedian Bert Kreischer on X (formerly Twitter), has quickly amassed over 10 million views, becoming a hot topic on social media.
Comedian Satirical Take on Empty Shelves
In the video, Kreischer humorously strolls through the store, marveling at the empty shelves, which he mistakenly attributes to rampant theft. “This is Los Angeles, everything is gone. Look at this, it our deodorants, I think,” he quips, likening the scene to a looted store. The comedian’s deadpan delivery and exaggerated assumptions turned the clip into a viral hit, garnering over 24,000 likes and sparking thousands of comments.
Bankruptcy, Not Looting, the Real Culprit
While Kreischer video was intended as satire, many viewers were quick to correct him, noting that the empty shelves were more likely a result of Rite Aid recent financial troubles. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, citing $750 million in losses against $24 billion in revenue for the fiscal year leading up to March 2023. Since then, Rite Aid has closed numerous stores, including 160 in Michigan and 111 in Ohio.
Social Media Responds with Humor
The video also prompted a wave of jokes and commentary from other users. Actor Billy Baldwin chimed in with his own quip, “Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy. They told me it was gonna be several months before they could restock my toothpaste.” Another user humorously added, “I just went to this same Rite Aid to see if it’s gotten worse, and the looters have put out a ‘for sale’ sign.”
Kreischer’s nostalgic remark that he used to “spend the afternoon looking around” Rite Aid also struck a chord with users, with one commenting, “You used to be able to spend all day hanging out at Rite Aid.”
Rite Aid Financial Struggles
Rite Aid financial woes have been well-documented. The bankruptcy filing in October 2023 was a significant blow, but the company has been taking steps to stabilize. Former CFO Matt Schroeder was appointed as the new CEO, and Rite Aid successfully eliminated approximately $2 billion of its total debt while securing about $2.5 billion in exit financing.
Kreischer: The Party Legend Behind the Viral Video
Bert Kreischer, the man behind the viral video, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Kreischer gained fame after a Rolling Stone article dubbed him “the top partier at the Number One Party School in the country.” This notoriety later inspired the film National Lampoon Van Wilder (2002), starring Ryan Reynolds.
As Kreischer’s video continues to circulate online, it serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the challenges facing traditional retail giants like Rite Aid in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.
