STOP & Shop made the controversial decision to stop selling certain age-restricted items in all its stores.
The retailer will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products on Saturday.
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Stop & Shop said the change was part of its “commitment to well-being.”
“Our responsibility as a grocer extends far beyond our shelves, 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.
The grocer partnered with the American Cancer Society to end sales, joining other retailers, cities and states that have banned tobacco sales in pharmacies.
Many buyers were pleased to hear about the change.
“This should have happened ages ago,” one buyer commented on a Facebook post announcing the move.
“It’s great that Stop & Shop is joining the movement to prioritize health,” wrote another customer.
However, some people wondered if the store would stop selling other potentially harmful products, such as alcohol.
“If they care so much about the common good, they should cut out soda and other junk food,” wrote one angry customer.
“I’m sure alcohol sales will continue,” commented another.
One shopper said the measure could encourage customers to flock to local stores rather than chains.
“More money for the corner shops,” they wrote.
BAD BUSINESS
This move came after Stop & Shop announced the closure of 32 stores.
The company evaluated its store portfolio and made the “difficult decision” to close underperforming locations by November 2.
After the closures, Stop & Shop will have 359 stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Cigarette and tobacco bans
Walmart, CVS and Target have both stopped selling tobacco products.
Walmart announced that it will stop selling cigarettes at some locations in the United States in 2022.
CVS stopped selling tobacco in 2014. The retailer said selling tobacco was “inconsistent” with its mission as a healthcare provider.
Target stopped selling tobacco in 1996.
In November 2019, Massachusetts became the first state to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island passed similar bans on flavored e-cigarettes the following year.
President Gordon Reid said the closures had helped create a healthy basis for the continuation of
Now the store is lowering prices and plans to offer more special offers.
“Stop & Shop is proud of the deep roots and community ties we have built as a neighborhood grocer with a heritage spanning more than 100 years, and we remain committed to serving our employees, customers and communities,” Reid said in a press release.
“This means we will focus on offering lower prices on a daily basis and enabling our customers to save even more through attractive promotions.”
Walmart has just banned customers from paying for certain items at the self-checkout.
Kroger customers fear the store may discontinue its popular weekly special.
