CVS Cracks Down On Smoking

By Tricia Wehner Feb 08, 2014

This week, CVS/phamacy stores annunced that all 7,600 of their stores would no longer be selling cigarettes or tobacco products. The official cessation of sales will be in October, 2014. This makes the company the first national pharmacy chain to take this step in support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers.

I, for one, give major kudos to CVS for making this bold move. I'm a non-smoker by choice, so when I see that other people and/or companies are working to make strides to be healthier, I am all for it. I feel that the pharmacy will be the frontrunner in a healthier living and non smoking movement. I also think that some people will be a little upset about the move, like the people who smoke and are used to buying their tobacco products at CVS. When you think about it, what CVS is doing by stopping the sale of tobacco in their stores actually makes since, too.

CVS Quits For Good

When you think about it, what CVS is doing by stopping the sale of tobacco in their stores actually makes since, too. President and CEO of CVS, Caremark, Larry J, Merlo said it best: "Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health. Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose."

To read more about the CVS announcement, click here

So what are your thoughts on this move by CVS? Good or Bad? Let your thoughts be known !

Make a Comment

Comments

by Chica3me | MARINA, CA

Feb 12, 2014

This is a great decision!

by Tricias-List | Millersville, MD

Feb 08, 2014

I think that is was still a good move on their part. Especially when you look at the fact that they are a pharmacy dedicated to helping people get better and not just any run of the mill store. Making the decision to stop selling cigarettes form any retail store is a big thing because tobacco sales are still going to be big. CVS is closing the door on 2 billion dollars annually just from tobacco sales alone.

by Kay3131 | New York, NY

Feb 08, 2014

If this was a case of the government trying to curtail retail sales (example: large sodas, guns, etc.) there'd be something to consider. But this is simply a retailer deciding what they'll sell. Without knowing the profits they're giving up from a shrinking US tobacco market and the estimated profits from that allocation's replacement, it's difficult to comment from a 'do the right thing' perspective.

More stories like this