CVS To Stop Selling Cigarettes By October

CVS wouldn't be doing it if it hurt their bottom line. I'd imagine the margins are very small and it will allow them to use the space for more profitable items. Also probably allows them to use younger workers.

I've always thought it to be contradictory for a medicine provider to sell something that is so universally accepted to be so detrimental to people's health.

I applaud CVS for making their decision.

$2b annual hit, but probably selling something else as another poster mentioned. How long until WAG and Rite Aid begin? You know they will bc of the PR (good and bad) associated with it.

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$2b annual hit

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To revenue or profit? All that matters is the hit to profit.

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I've always thought it to be contradictory
I agree, it seems like it would improve their image.

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I knew a guy that owned a small town pharmacy and he too refused to sell tobacco products. He thought it hypocritical to sell cigs when a pharmacy is about health.

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I've always thought it to be contradictory for a medicine provider to sell something that is so universally accepted to be so detrimental to people's health.

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I didn't realize they were thought as a medicine provider... If they are going that route, how long until the candy/chips aisle is gone?

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how long until the candy/chips aisle is gone?

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Beer, wine and soda as well.

CVS has pretty large square footage footprints to begin start removing unhealthy products from their shelves. Perhaps they're planning to replace these items with consumer goods that shoppers can purchase for reduced prices at the likes of Wal-Mart, Costco etc.

I am sure most of the new buildings they occupy have long term leases. Perhaps they should have considered these square footage issues if they envision themselves becoming a European style pharmacy that sells prescriptions from 800 square foot store fronts.

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I'd imagine the margins are very small and it will allow them to use the space for more profitable items

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I wonder how many people bought overpriced 20 oz cokes, energy drinks, chips, candy, etc., along with the cigarettes they purchased. Seems like the cigs is somewhat akin to gasoline at a gas station--not super profitable, but it does drive traffic into the store.

This trend will continue with other stores as well. There will come a point in time when you will only be able to by cigs at a cig shop or gas station.