There are 7,600 CVS Caremark outlets nationwide the company ranks as the nation’s second-largest drugstore chain. It will forgo $2 billion in annual revenue to discontinue tobacco sales, the company said. Smoking among adults and high school students has been on the decline for decades.
There’s no indication, at least in the near-term, that any other local pharmacies that sell tobacco are following CVS’ lead.
At Drug Mart, 1575 Lyons Road in Centerville, assistant manager Nick Lyninger said there are no plans to discontinue selling tobacco. Sales there are steady, he added. There are five Drug Mart locations in the area and 70 stores statewide in the Ohio-based chain.
At Ken’s Rexall Pharmacy, 330 E. National Road, Vandalia, Vice President Matt Farst said tobacco sales will continue as well. “It’s not illegal to sell it,” he said. “Not that we condone it necessarily, and we sell other things to help people stop. We have all that stuff, too.”
Tobacco products haven’t been sold since 2001 at Hock’s Pharmacy, 535 S. Dixie Drive, also in Vandalia.
The store is across the street from Vandalia Butler High School, said Jeff Bartone, Vice President of Hock’s.
That made the decision to stop selling tobacco easier, he added. “It’s one less hassle, and it just doesn’t go along with health care,” Bartone said. “We are here to take care of people, not sell cigarettes.”
CVS’ Merlo said the decision to stop selling tobacco products is consistent with the positions taken by the American Medical Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and American Pharmacists Association.
CVS and other major drugstore chains have been adding clinics to their stores for several years. Their pharmacists deliver flu shots and other immunizations, and their clinics also have been expanding the care they deliver.
CVS will launch a program this spring to encourage people to kick the habit.
“As a leader of the health care community focused on improving health outcomes, we are pledging to help millions of Americans quit smoking,” Merlo said.
At least one business anticipates a positive result from the CVS decision. At Rich’s Tobacco Shop, 2050 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, tobacco products of all kinds are available, including bulk tobacco, pipes and high-end cigars kept in a walk-in humidor.
Customer service representative Bethany Boyer said she expects more customers. “I understand why they are getting rid of tobacco,” she said. “They are a pharmacy. But it’s good for this company.”
Associated Press contributed to this story.
About the Author