PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — In June of 2024, Rite Aid officially closed its doors due to bankruptcy, with all its stores closing for good in 2025. In February of 2026, Rally House took over the empty storefront on Forbes Ave, making it the soon-to-be 11th Rally House store in the Pittsburgh area. The University of Pittsburgh currently has 4 Pitt merch stores that include The University Store on Fifth, The Pitt Shop, Maggie & Stella’s Cards & Gifts, and the current Rally House at the Petersen Event Center. This change has students wondering why the space can’t be replaced with another convenience store.
One student got the chance to say their opinion on the new space being taken up by a Rally House.
“I think we have enough Pitt merch stores here on campus, but not enough stores where we can shop for food and groceries, unless we drive or catch the bus somewhere like Shadyside,” he said.
Students are still waiting for a change in the Oakland area to see if any new convenience stores will open.
As construction continues, it still remains unclear when the new Rally House location will officially open to the public.