To help consumers quit smoking, Stop & Shop has announced that it will no longer sell cigarettes or other tobacco products starting August 31, 2024.
The company operates 360 grocery stores, primarily in the Northeast, and stands by its decision to prioritize consumer health over tobacco sales.
“Our responsibility as a grocer extends far beyond our shelves, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers and communities work toward better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop.
“From our team of board-certified dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy staff, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve – and this tobacco cessation is another way we are achieving that goal.”
Benefits of quitting smoking
The retailer is also holding cigarette buyback campaigns at two of its stores to encourage its customers to quit smoking.
At both events, the first 100 customers to bring an unopened carton or pack of cigarettes will receive a bag of goodies: a Stop & Shop gift card, healthy snacks, peppermints, smoking cessation materials and a coupon for $10 off Nicorette.
“This is a step in the right direction to end the tobacco industry’s influence on children. And we know more can be done to reduce the negative impacts of tobacco use in our communities,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Network.
“From state and local governments to schools and businesses, we can all play a role in protecting public health. We urge lawmakers to prioritize funding for tobacco control programs so that those motivated to quit through these efforts have the tools they need to succeed.”
Join the movement
Stop & Shop is not the first retailer to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products.
In 2022, Walmart took similar action, removing cigarettes and tobacco products from select stores across the country. This came after the retailer stopped selling flavored nicotine products and raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21.
CVS had previously taken the step of stopping the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes in 2014. As part of the rebranding to CVS Health, the pharmacy made the decision to remove cigarettes from its stores.
Even Amazon has joined this movement. The retailer removed all vaping-related products from its website several years ago.
