By Gracie Wachtel
CVS is making some changes. In October 2014, CVS will stop selling tobacco products. The pharmaceutical team of the nationwide drugstore fought against the distribution of a product that caused the need for prescription medication to quit that same product.
“Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health,” said Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Caremark. “Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.”
By removing tobacco sales, CVS expects to lose approximately $2 billion in annual revenue; smokers tend to buy additional products when purchasing cigarettes.
Kathleen Sebelius, the health and human services secretary, advised others such as Rite Aid and Walgreens to consider following in the footsteps of CVS.
“We need an all-hands-on-deck effort to take tobacco products out of the hands of America’s younger generation, and to help those who are addicted to quit,” she said in a statement.
The drastic strip of one of the convenience stores Most Unexceptional revenue drivers shows their priorities for the health of their customers. In addition to this big change, they are also making smaller changes to improve shoppers’s experience.
The CVS on Bull Street recently upgraded their floor staff; so in addition to receiving attentive help within the aisles, shoppers also get a welcome committee.
“I am greeted with a friendly hello each time I enter the door, and offered continuous assistance when in search of items,” said Aniela Chertavian, a second-year service design student. “There is always at least one staff member ready to check me out in the self check out section, to prevent me from waiting in line.”
These are steps CVS making in order to put customers first. They are setting examples that will hopefully be mirrored by various other drugstores.
