Stop & Shop, which operates 360 supermarkets across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey, will end tobacco sales by Aug. 31, 2024 as part of its commitment to community wellness. The retailer also will host two cigarette buyback events in neighborhoods within its market area that have higher rates of smoking and smoking-related health issues.
“Our responsibility as a grocer goes far beyond our aisles, 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 in a statement. “Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve — and this exit from tobacco is one more way we’re accomplishing that goal.”
Only one major national retailer, CVS Caremark, has banned all tobacco products from its stores. The chain made the move in September 2014 with then-CEO Larry J. Merlo saying that “the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.” In April 2019 Rite Aid stopped selling e-cigarettes and vaping products and, along with fellow pharmacy retailer Walgreens, it raised the minimum age for tobacco purchases from 18 to 21 years old.
The Stop & Shop cigarette buybacks will be held on Aug. 28 at the Grove Hall, Boston store and the Stop & Shop at 1351 Forest Ave. in Staten Island, N.Y. The first 100 customers bringing in an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes will receive a Stop & Shop gift card along with a bag filled with healthy snacks, mints, smoking cessation materials created in partnership with the American Cancer Society and $10 off coupons for Nicorette, provided by Haleon.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 780 million people worldwide want to quit smoking, but 30% lack access to the tools to do so.
