Major Grocery Chain Ending Tobacco Sales to Promote Community Wellness
Stop & Shop's Commitment to Community Wellness
Stop & Shop, a major grocery chain, is ending tobacco sales by August 31 in a significant move towards promoting community wellness. The East Coast retailer, operating 360 stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, emphasized its responsibility as a grocer extends beyond traditional retail.
Taking Bold Steps
According to Gordan Reid, president of Stop & Shop, the company is dedicated to helping associates and customers achieve better health outcomes. Recently, the retailer initiated two cigarette buyback events in neighborhoods heavily impacted by smoking-related health issues.
A Growing Trend in Retail
Stop & Shop joins a list of retailers moving away from tobacco products. Walmart announced its intentions in 2022 to stop selling cigarettes in select locations, while CVS Pharmacy ended tobacco sales in 2014, and Target removed cigarettes from its shelves in 1996.
Partnership for Better Health
With approximately 780 million people wanting to quit smoking, the challenge lies in providing adequate resources. Citing the World Health Organization, Stop & Shop indicated that only 30 percent have access to quitting tools.
- Collaboration with American Cancer Society: Stop & Shop is partnering with renowned cancer organizations to enhance community health initiatives.
- Dr. Karen Knudsen's Support: The CEO of the American Cancer Society expressed pride in partnering with Stop & Shop, echoing the need to reduce tobacco's influence, especially on youth.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.