MIAMI -- It has been more than a year since CVS officially stopped selling tobacco products at all of its approximately 7,700 locations, a move Bloomberg BusinessWeek estimated would cost the pharmacy chain $2 billion annually.
But what do CVS’ customers have to say, now that the dust has settled?
The majority are fairly neutral on the topic, according to a survey of 300 smokers who had previously purchased cigarettes from nationwide CVS locations. Commissioned by electronic cigarette manufacturer V2, the poll showed 43% of respondents said they were “neutral” about CVS’ decision to exit the tobacco business, 33% said they disagreed with the decision and 24% said they supported it.
The vast majority (83%) of those who disagreed said that cigarettes were being unfairly targeted, commenting: “CVS sells other products – like alcohol and candy – that are bad for you, and cigarettes shouldn’t be singled out.” Only 14% said that they disagreed because CVS was their primary source for cigarettes.
Though 52% of the group said it’s now more difficult to purchase cigarettes regularly, 73% of that group described the effect as manageable. This group agreed that “buying cigarettes is now harder, but I have other options.” Only 27% said the move made buying cigarettes “much harder.”
Given that CVS historically had not been a major player in cigarette sales, it’s not surprising that almost half of respondents (48%) said the move did not have a major effect on their cigarette purchases, because they didn’t purchase cigarettes often enough at the pharmacy chain for it to make a difference.
Also not surprising: Convenience stores seem to be the primary benefactor from CVS’ exit. When asked where they purchase cigarettes now that CVS is not an option, “gas stations” were the top choice (39%). Also, 8% listed 7-Eleven specifically, bringing the c-store total to 47%.
Wal-Mart and Walgreens were tied for the second most likely place for survey respondents to buy cigarettes now (20% each); 8% said “a local store (not part of a chain); 7% listed dollar stores; and Rite Aid netted 3%.
“Gas stations, in our survey, covers a wide range of c-store retailers and brick-and-mortar brands,” said Adam Kustin, vice president of marketing for V2. “It’s no secret that most cigarettes are sold in this channel. With CVS halting their sales, c-stores are getting additional customers.”
At this time, CVS is not selling electronic cigarettes or vapor products, though the pharmacy does offer nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as the patch or gum. The majority of those polled (51%) said CVS should be offering e-vapor products as another alternative; 28% said CVS should not be selling e-vapor; and 20% were undecided.
“According to the data, most smokers want these devices available to them as options in CVS stores and other retailers,” said Kustin.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.