We don't have RiteAid in my town, but I've definitely seen Philosophy products in surprising places like Target. I see BareEscentuals at Target a lot too, I remember people complaining about that a while back.

Yeah Target is selling a few things that you wouldn't expect to see there...like Philosophy and Kiehls. Which is kinda strange to me.

Generally, though, if there are professional products being sold at unprofessional retailers (like a supermarket or drug store), they are usually old product purchased at a discount that wasn't selling in salons or beauty supply stores. This would apply to products that have that message that it is only guaranteed when sold at a professional salon (or something to that effect).

Misfit- i don't know for sure about makeup products but with food items when sold at a discount place one of two things are happening. 1) sold at a discount store (i.e. Kmart, dollar stores, big lots etc) are usually past code dates and are "re-approved" for sale so they can be unloaded at super discounted prices. but the companies still make something. or 2) the items sold at places like Walmart or Target are first quality products but are not the same as the originals. They are usually made with similar but slightly lower qualities of ingredients (including packaging). They still taste good but don't cost as much to manufacture.
I am betting that the stuff sold at rite aid and target are at least smaller sizes and cheaper packaging. With makeup items it is harder to modify the quality of ingredients.

totally agree about the cream eyeliners!

i dont even know if we have riteaids here, i'd probably get mine from sephora so i can get points on my beauty insider card