Stop & Shop will stop selling cigarettes and vapes this week as part of its dramatic commitment to “community well-being.”
The US retailer will remove tobacco products from its 360 stores in the Northeast starting August 31.
The decision has been welcomed by the American Cancer Society and health organizations.
The US retailer will remove tobacco products from its 360 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 at no cost to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve, and this tobacco exit is one more way we are achieving that goal,” Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid said in a statement.
Stop & Shop has not yet disclosed whether the products were still selling in large volumes.
Last month, the retailer announced it would close 32 “underperforming” stores in five states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
While the number of smokers has gradually declined worldwide over the past 25 years, there are still 1.6 million in the United States.
Many have previously criticized retailers for pulling back on the products and criticized local politicians for encouraging declining sales while fostering a nascent marijuana industry.
Stop & Shop, with 400 stores in the Northeast, will close “underperforming” outlets
