Daily Hampshire Gazette – Stop & Shop to stop selling tobacco products on Saturday

Stressing that its responsibility as a grocery retailer “extends far beyond our shelves,” Stop & Shop will stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products in its 360 stores on Saturday, including stores in Northampton, Hadley, Belchertown and two in Holyoke.

The company, which operates stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, is promoting the move as part of its “commitment to community well-being.” In addition to the sales freeze, the grocer will hold cigarette buyback campaigns to encourage customers to quit smoking.

“We are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers and communities achieve better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, in a statement. “From our team of board-certified dietitians who serve our customers free of charge 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 the tobacco business is another way to achieve that goal.”