CVS Stores to Stop Selling Cigarettes


In a major announcement from the nation's second largest pharmacy chain, CVS said it will stop selling tobacco products at its 7,400 stores later this year. We tell you about the huge economic impact it's going to have on the chain, and what Deerfield-based Walgreens had to say in response.


Read statements in reaction to the news.

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Walgreens

"We have been evaluating this product category for some time to balance the choices our customers expect from us, with their ongoing health needs.  We will continue to evaluate the choice of products our customers want, while also helping to educate them and providing smoking cessation products and alternatives that help to reduce the demand for tobacco products.

"Over the past year, Walgreens has partnered to conduct broad-based, in-store smoking cessation campaigns to provide consumers with educational health support.  For example, last month we launched a free, online quit-smoking programthat incorporates social media and allows tobacco users to personalize their program with customized tools. These campaigns demonstrate the value and benefits of smoking cessation by providing consumers incentives to start a smoking cessation program and also support caregivers. With this approach we are able to address the root cause and offer customers solutions to help change behavior."

American Medical Association

“The AMA applauds CVS Caremark for its decision to discontinue the sale of tobacco products in its stores and put the public’s health first. By ending the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, CVS is helping to combat tobacco use by limiting the very access and availability that people have to tobacco products. 

“The AMA has been a proud supporter of anti-tobacco efforts over the years and has long supported efforts to remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from pharmacy shelves. In 2009, the AMA passed a resolution opposing the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies nationwide.

“We commend CVS for putting public health ahead of their bottom line and recognizing the need for pharmacies to focus on supporting health and wellness instead of contributing to disease and death caused by tobacco use. We are hopeful that CVS’s decision to end the sale of tobacco products will spur other pharmacies to follow suit to help improve the nation’s health.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

"I applaud CVS for taking an important step today to protect public health. Just a month after Chicago passed legislation to protect kids from flavored cigarettes and tobacco and regulate e-cigarettes; this important step shows that the private sector can play an important role in ensuring a healthier America."

Sen. Dick Durbin

“Today, CVS has set out to prove what many of us already believe: that looking out for the long-term well-being of their customers isn't just good for public health, it is also good business. I believe this decision will not only have a positive impact on today's smokers, but may also help prevent some kids from ever starting a deadly habit. I applaud CVS for today's decision, and I hope other retailers across the country will soon follow their example.”

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