Admiral drugstore changeover, and what else is up in West Seattle today

Quick preview today as we’re headed out on a story. First, almost everything on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar for today is a regular weekly event, so please check there for what’s happening in the hours ahead.

Second, one thing not on the calendar: It’s switchover day for the third of three West Seattle drugstores converting to CVS. As we reported last week, the Admiral Bartell Drugs staff told us the plan for the changeover is to close at noon today, then reopen tomorrow as CVS. Jefferson Square made the switch last week, while the Rite Aid on California SW south of The Junction converted last month; the Westwood Village Rite Aid was not acquired, and it permanently closed last week.

Old School West Seattlite September 2, 2025 (11:12 am)

Wishing the best to all the employees. We will all miss Bartells, but I know the staff is looking forward to having stock on the shelves to sell and providing a better customer experience in the future. It’s been a tough time getting through the bankruptcy. Here’s to a new chapter.

SLJ September 2, 2025 (12:15 pm)

The CVS on California is already better than the Rite Aid. Shelves aren’t totally stocked yet, but the pharmacy/refill process is much quicker!

ST September 2, 2025 (12:58 pm)

I went to the CVS on California Ave. yesterday for the first time since the change over (old Rite Aid). So refreshing to see shelves fully stocked again. I will also miss Bartell Drugs, but happy to see the staff is being retained at the Admiral store and excited to see the shelves full again!

D-Mom September 2, 2025 (3:24 pm)

So now we have no stand-alone drug stores outside of the Walgreens in White Center that I would not go into. Target keeps everything locked up, so that’s a no go (not worth my time). I guess Safeway is it.

sw September 2, 2025 (6:57 pm)

Beware of your costs when going to CVS. I picked up a transferred prescription today – 90 days ago it was just under 4 bucks at Bartell’s (Rite Aid) for 90 days supply, today at CVS it was $54 for 90 days supply. That is with insurance applied. Checking prices online via my insurance provider, Bartell’s was BY FAR the cheapest pharmacy out there. Shop around, folks.

Paul September 3, 2025 (11:55 am)

Many times I have found using Good RX is less expensive than using my own insurance.

Mister_Fisher September 3, 2025 (12:56 pm)

Noon on Thursday the 3rd. The Admiral location is open, but they shouldn’t be. Shelves are 80+% empty with lots of merch in the aisles waiting to be unpacked. Several trucks out front unloading stuff, dumpster in the parking lot. It should be good when they get there.