The Stop & Shop retail chain says it will end tobacco product sales

Retailer Stop & Shop announced on Monday that it will stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products at its 360 stores by August 31. The grocery retailer, which has stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, said the decision is part of the brand’s commitment to community wellness.

“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,” stated Gordon Reid, Stop & Shop President.

As a part of its exit from tobacco, Stop & Shop is encouraging customers to quit smoking by hosting two cigarette buyback events on August 28, at locations in neighborhoods within the brands’ footprint that have higher rates of smoking and smoking-related health issues.

Last week, the tobacco sector was jolted by news that Japan Tobacco (OTCPK:JAPAY) (OTCPK:JAPAF) snapped up the outstanding shares of Vector Group (VGR) in a deal is worth approximately $2.4 billion of total equity value. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the merger agreement. After closing, Vector Group (VGR) will become a wholly owned subsidiary of JT Group. The deal for Vector Group (VGR) will push Japan Tobacco’s (OTCPK:JAPAY) U.S. market share to about 8% as it lands two of the top ten U.S. cigarette brands.