If you're looking to buy cigarettes, Stop & Shop won't be your destination anymore.
The grocer announced it will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products by Aug. 31. This decision affects all 360 of its stores across the Northeast. The move is part of their "commitment to community wellness."
"From our registered dietitians to our trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop supports the health of our neighborhoods," said Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid. He emphasized that exiting tobacco sales is another step in that direction.
American Cancer Society CEO Karen Knudsen praised the move, calling it "a step in the right direction." She added that more can be done to reduce tobacco's toll on communities. The organization is pushing state lawmakers to fund tobacco control programs to help more people quit.
Stop & Shop's pharmacy director, Katie Thornell, mentioned that their licensed pharmacists can guide smoking cessation. They also provide immunization recommendations for those with lowered immunity due to smoking.
Stop & Shop joins companies like Walmart and Target, who have already stopped selling tobacco. CVS has been tobacco-free since 2014, leading to 100 million fewer packs sold in the first year alone. CVS also pledged $50 million for their Be the First initiative to create a tobacco-free generation.
HeraldPR CEO Juda Engelmayer sees this as a public relations move. He believes Stop & Shop wants to appeal to customers who value responsible and philanthropic activities. Still, he admits it helps Stop & Shop stand out in the competitive grocery market.
Dr. Pat Basu, former CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, called the decision the "right move" for public health and business. "Tobacco is a major risk for cancer and heart disease," he said. "Stopping the sale of these deadly substances is a no-brainer for a health-focused grocery chain."