Stop & Shop is ending sales of cigarettes and e-cigarettes this week as part of its sweeping commitment to “community well-being.”
The US retailer is removing tobacco products from all 360 of its stores in the Northeast starting August 31.
The American Cancer Society and health organizations agree with this decision.
The US retailer will remove tobacco products from all 360 of its stores in the Northeast starting August 31
The announcement follows the lead of CVS, Target and Walmart.
“From our team of registered dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve. This exit from the tobacco industry is one more way we are achieving that goal,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, in a statement.
Stop & Shop has not yet announced whether the products are still being sold in large quantities.
Last month, the retailer announced it would close 32 “underperforming” stores in five states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Although the number of smokers worldwide has gradually declined over the past 25 years, there are still 1.6 million in America.
Many have previously criticized retailers for pulling out of the sale of these products and have criticized local politicians for reducing sales while sustaining a nascent marijuana industry.
Stop & Shop, with 400 stores in the Northeast, will close ‘underperforming’ outlets