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Wegmans to stop selling cigarettes

Jan 7, 2008 | Associated Press | MSNBC News

Wegmans is making a change that could affect the shopping habits of thousands of local customers. The Rochester-based supermarket chain will no longer sell tobacco products, including cigarettes, starting February 10.

Wegman's owns more than 70 stores in five states, most of them in western New York. The Wegman family says it still respects a person's right to smoke. And even though the company says cigarettes are very profitable, sales have been declining.

Wegmans moved cigarettes from the checkout to behind the service counter years ago. And customers who spoke to News 10 NBC Friday seemed okay with the decision to remove them from the store altogether.

"As a smoker, if they want to stop selling cigarettes, I'm all for it," said Scott Spence. "I'd like to quit myself but I can't right now. It's too hard."

A brief letter to employees from Danny and Coleen Wegman spelled out their decision. "We believe in a person's right to smoke. But we believe there are few of us who would introduce our children to smoking."

Wegmans is also about helping consumers live healthier life. "Yes, providing choice is what we're all about," said Jo Natale, a Wegmans spokeswoman. "We know this is going to present an inconvenience for some customers."

Said Chili-Paul customer Mary Gause, "To me when I was smoking, I didn't realize cigarettes were so nasty and smelled bad, until I quit."

Added John Powell, another Wegmans customer, "Wegmans has always charged $1 or $1.50 more per pack than anybody else. So consequently, even though I'm here every week. I wouldn't buy more cigarettes here." And several other customers said they too thought Wegmans' cigarette prices were too high.

Wegmans sells beer in its stores in New York and is licensed to sell wine and liquor in stores in other states. But Natale says alcohol can be consumed safely in moderation. She says the same cannot be said about tobacco. "We employ a lot of young people, a lot of high school students. If it sends the right message to them, I think we will have accomplished something."

Wegmans still allows its employees to take smoking breaks.