EVANSVILLE — Schnucks Markets announced today they will no longer sell tobacco products beginning Jan. 1, 2020, including the seven locations in the Evansville-area.
The new policy will include cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco and snuff. The company will also continue its practice of not selling e-cigarettes or vaping products. Schnucks will sell through its existing inventory through the end of the year.
Schnucks Chairman & CEO Todd Schnuck said in a news release that the decision was made out of concern for the health problems tobacco products cause.
“Tobacco products directly contradict our core mission, and that means that they simply don’t belong in our stores," Schnuck said. "We respect people’s right to make decisions that are best for them, and while we know this may not sit well with everyone, we believe it’s the right thing to do for the health of our communities, and our customers and that makes it the right decision for our company.”
The American Cancer Society has applauded Schnucks' decision.
“Tobacco is poised to take 1 billion lives worldwide this century, so Schnucks’ decision to no longer sell tobacco is a victory for public health, corporate responsibility and customers,” American Cancer Society CEO Gary Reedy said in the release.
Schnucks’ announcement comes as the company is increasing its focus on wellness and promoting healthier choices. Beginning on Oct. 15, Schnucks will offer double SchnucksRewards points on all over-the-counter smoking cessation products.
Schnucks Markets, Inc. is a grocery and pharmacy retailer serving customers in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa, and employs 14,500 people. According to Forbes’ 2018 rankings, Schnucks is the 168th largest privately-owned company in the United States and the 16th largest privately-owned grocery store.
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