Can You Purchase Cigarettes at Walmart?

‍Image Source: FreeImages

‍
## Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the sale of tobacco products by retail giants like Walmart. With concerns over public health and the impact of smoking on society, many have called for an end to the sale of cigarettes in stores. In response to these calls, Walmart has made the decision to stop selling cigarettes in select stores across the United States. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being and health of its customers. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding Walmart’s decision to end cigarette sales, the impact it may have on the industry, and the broader implications for public health.

The Decision to End Cigarette Sales

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has faced pressure from public health advocates and various stakeholders to cease the sale of tobacco products. After much internal deliberation, the company has decided to remove cigarettes from select stores in certain markets. These markets include California, Florida, Arkansas, and New Mexico. The removal of cigarettes is being accompanied by changes in store layout, such as the introduction of more self-checkout registers and the placement of grab-and-go food or candy near the front of stores.

While Walmart has not specified the exact number of stores that will stop selling cigarettes, this decision aligns with the company’s previous actions to address tobacco-related concerns. In 2019, Walmart raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 and also discontinued the sale of e-cigarettes. Additionally, Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, has already stopped selling cigarettes in most of its stores in recent years.

Public Health Advocacy

The decision to end cigarette sales at Walmart is a significant step in response to the long-standing advocacy efforts of public health organizations. These organizations have consistently called on retailers to stop selling tobacco products, citing the contradiction of having harmful and addictive substances readily available alongside products that promote health and well-being. In 2014, more than two dozen state attorneys general sent letters to large retailers with pharmacies, including Walmart, urging them to cease tobacco sales.

The move by Walmart is also in line with the actions of other major retailers. In 2014, CVS announced that it would stop selling tobacco products, stating that selling cigarettes was inconsistent with their purpose as a healthcare provider. Target, on the other hand, ended tobacco sales in 1996. However, it is worth noting that Costco continues to sell tobacco products in some of its stores.

The Impact on Walmart and the Tobacco Industry

As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart’s decision to end cigarette sales will inevitably have an impact on both the company and the tobacco industry as a whole. While the specific financial implications are not disclosed, the move reflects Walmart’s commitment to prioritize the well-being of its customers over potential revenue from tobacco sales.

By removing cigarettes from its stores, Walmart is sending a strong message to other retailers and the tobacco industry at large. This decision may encourage other companies to reevaluate their own policies regarding the sale of tobacco products. It also highlights the shifting societal attitudes towards smoking and the growing emphasis on public health and well-being.

The Reversal of Cigarette Sales Trends

Interestingly, the decision to end cigarette sales at Walmart comes at a time when cigarette sales in the United States experienced a surprising reversal. After two decades of decline, cigarette sales increased in 2020. The North American Quitline Association, a nonprofit promoting tobacco-quitting services, attributed this reversal to the stress and anxiety resulting from the ongoing pandemic.

While the reasons behind this reversal are complex, it underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to discourage smoking and promote healthier lifestyles. Walmart’s decision to stop selling cigarettes aligns with these efforts and reinforces the need for comprehensive public health campaigns to combat the prevalence of smoking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walmart’s decision to end cigarette sales in select stores is a significant step towards promoting public health and well-being. The move reflects the company’s commitment to prioritize the interests of its customers over potential revenue from tobacco sales. By doing so, Walmart joins other retailers that have already taken similar actions, responding to the calls of public health advocates to cease the sale of tobacco products.

While the impact on the tobacco industry remains to be seen, Walmart’s decision sends a clear message about the shifting societal attitudes towards smoking and the growing emphasis on public health. As cigarette sales experienced an unexpected increase in 2020, the need for comprehensive public health campaigns and efforts to discourage smoking is more important than ever. With Walmart taking the lead, it is hopeful that other retailers will follow suit, contributing to a healthier and smoke-free future.