Stop & Shop, the regional supermarket chain based in Quincey, Massachusetts, announced on August 26 that it will no longer sell tobacco products at any of its 360 stores across the northeast, including dozens in Connecticut. Sales will stop on August 31, with buyback events happening at locations in Boston and on Staten Island where customers can exchange an unopened cigarette pack for a Stop & Shop gift card and tools to aid in smoking cessation.
“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 towards better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, Stop & Shop President in a prepared statement. “From our team of registered dietitians that serve our customers at no cost to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, 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.”
“The health of our communities is a priority and quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Our licensed pharmacists can help with providing guidance for smoking cessation, as well as immunization recommendations for those who may have lowered immunity as a result of smoking,” said Katie Thornell, Stop & Shop Director of Pharmacy. “We welcome everyone looking to quit smoking to come and meet with one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists, who are partners in supporting our customers’ needs at their convenience.”
Both the buyback and larger exit from the lucrative tobacco market are being carried out in association with the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.
“We are pleased to partner with Stop & Shop as they commit to ending the sales of all tobacco products in their stores,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “This is a step in the right direction toward ending Big Tobacco’s influence on kids, and we know even more can be done to reduce the toll of tobacco in our communities. From state and local governments to schools and businesses, we can all play a part in protecting public health. We urge state lawmakers to prioritize tobacco control program funding so that those inspired to quit by this effort have the resources they need to help them succeed.”
