Stop & Shop, a supermarket chain primarily located in the US northeast, will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products as part of their commitment to community wellness. The decision to end sales of these unhealthy products will take effect on Saturday, August 31, and is seen as a bold step towards improving the health outcomes of their associates, customers, and communities. Public health advocates have long urged retailers to stop selling tobacco products, and the American Cancer Society has expressed their support and partnership with Stop & Shop in ending sales. This move is seen as a step in the right direction towards reducing the influence of Big Tobacco on children and communities, with a call for state lawmakers to prioritize tobacco control program funding to support those looking to quit.
Walmart announced in 2022 that it would stop selling cigarettes at some of its US stores, following in the footsteps of CVS, which ended tobacco sales in 2014, citing inconsistency with their purpose as a health care provider. Target also stopped selling tobacco in 1996, aligning with a growing trend among major chains to discontinue the sale of tobacco products. However, other major chains like Publix, Albertson’s, and Kroger, as well as Costco in some locations, continue to sell tobacco despite the known health risks associated with their use. Stop & Shop’s decision to cease sales of cigarettes and tobacco products is part of a larger movement within the retail industry to prioritize the health and well-being of their customers and communities.
The American Cancer Society has praised Stop & Shop for their decision to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products, emphasizing the importance of reducing the toll of tobacco in communities and protecting children from the influence of Big Tobacco. By taking this step, Stop & Shop is joining a growing number of retailers who have recognized the harmful effects of tobacco use and have chosen to discontinue the sale of these products in their stores. With the support of public health organizations like the American Cancer Society, Stop & Shop is contributing to efforts to create healthier environments for their customers and to support those who are looking to quit smoking.
Ahold Delhaize, the Dutch company that owns Stop & Shop, has recently closed 32 underperforming grocery stores, indicating a shift in their business strategy. By focusing on community wellness and taking steps to promote healthier lifestyles, Stop & Shop is aligning with broader public health initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use and its associated health risks. While some major chains continue to sell tobacco products, Stop & Shop’s decision sets a positive example for the retail industry and demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of their customers and communities. This move may inspire other retailers to follow suit and prioritize the health and wellness of their customers by ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in their stores.
In conclusion, Stop & Shop’s decision to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products reflects a broader trend in the retail industry towards promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting public health initiatives. By aligning with the efforts of public health advocates and the American Cancer Society, Stop & Shop is taking a significant step towards reducing the toll of tobacco in their communities and protecting their customers from the harmful effects of tobacco use. This move underscores the importance of retailers’ role in creating healthier environments and supporting those who are looking to quit smoking. As other major chains consider following suit, Stop & Shop’s decision sets a positive example for the industry and showcases their commitment to community wellness.
