As part of its comprehensive commitment to the “common good,” Stop & Shop will stop selling cigarettes and e-cigarettes this week.
The American retailer will remove tobacco products from all 360 stores in the Northeast starting August 31.
The decision was welcomed by the American Cancer Society and health organizations.
The American retailer will remove tobacco products from all 360 stores in the Northeast starting August 31
The announcement follows the example of CVS, Target and Walmart.
“Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve – from our team of board-certified dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates. And this exit from tobacco is another way we are achieving that goal,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, in a statement.
Stop & Shop has not yet provided any information on whether the products will continue to be sold in large quantities.
Last month, the retailer announced it would close 32 underperforming stores in five U.S. states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
While the number of smokers worldwide has steadily declined over the past 25 years, there are still 1.6 million smokers in America.
Many have previously harshly criticized retailers for pulling out of these products and have criticized local politicians for encouraging the decline in sales while promoting a burgeoning marijuana industry.
Stop & Shop, with 400 stores in the Northeast, will close poorly performing stores
