A short recent article in Progressive Grocer magazine reported that an upscale, independent grocery chain in California with eight stores, Andronico's, has announced it will cease selling tobacco products this week. Wegman's is another independently owned supermarket chain that has likewise committed to removing tobacco products from its stores.


According to Bill Andronico, the owner of the small supermarket chain, this move has been under consideration for some time, adding that: "It's all part of a rising consciousness at Andronico's that will include the upcoming Clean and Green initiatives. . ."
Andronico then went on to clarify: "While tobacco sales are profitable for us, we feel that cigarettes and tobacco products are out of step with our goal of providing sustainable, wholesome, well-crafted products for our customers."
The article cites additional initiatives Andronico's have implemented or will be implementing in accordance with its new Clean and Green policies:
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A sustainable fish program
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Offering free range eggs
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Improved energy efficiency
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Local sourcing of foods
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Programs that support good health and good eating
Many factors have put pressure on mainstream supermarket chains in recent years:
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Consumers' lifestyles and lifestyle changes
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The growing clean and green movements
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The growth of specialty supermarket chains over the past few years--increased competition from natural, organic and gourmet markets, while mainstream supermarket chains have seen largely flat sales
And now the move to ban tobacco products brings up several questions in my mind, and probably in yours, as well.
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Are supermarkets doing this due to pressure from local special interest groups and consumers?
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Are supermarkets just leveraging this as a "feel good" marketing tactic? Or do you think they're genuinely interested in consumer health issues?
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Will there be push-back from smokers who are feeling more and more discriminated against by not being able to smoke in public places in many areas of the country, and now, won't be able to purchase their tobacco products from some retailers? Do you think smokers will boycott retailers who don't offer tobacco?
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Do you expect more food retailers to follow suit and ban tobacco products from their assortments? How do you feel about this issue?
I'd love to hear from you.