WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raley’s is closing 27 pharmacies, leaving the regional supermarket operator with 69 pharmacies across its 129 stores in Northern California and Nevada.

Prescriptions for pharmacy customers at the closing Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill stores will be transferred to nearby Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens drug stores, the company announced late last month.

Raley’s said the move reflects competitive pressures on small pharmacy retailers. Many such retailers are coping with cuts in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements as well as tight margins on sales of generic drugs.

“As a normal course of business, Raley’s assesses the individual performance of their stores and pharmacies. Given the challenges in the pharmacy space, Raley’s selected 27 pharmacy locations for closure based on relevance and profitability,” Raley’s said in a statement. “This strategic business decision positions the company for continued long-term growth and ongoing success.”

Raley’s began the pharmacy closures over the weekend of October 26 and said it expected to complete the process in about a week.

To ensure continuity of care, impacted pharmacy customers received notices identifying the specific transfer location and timing, the company said.

Raley’s also said transition support was being offered to affected pharmacy team members, including pay and benefits for a period of time and future employment assistance, either through new roles within the company or elsewhere.