In a surprising turn of events, CVS/Health has decided to bring a limited selection of cigarettes back into their stores.   After taking them out in September 2014 to support the health of their customers, their front store sales declined to the tune of 5% over prior year and evidently enough customers complained to make them decide to rethink their strategy.

Phil Morris, CVS/Health Director Of Sales and Marketing, said the following in the press release:

“Although we hoped the benefits to our customers would prove beneficial enough to warrant the sales impact, we found that many of our former shoppers who bought cigarettes at CVS had just started buying them elsewhere.   We saw losses in our alcohol sales as well and can no longer ignore the fact that we are regarded as a convenience store to many customers.  We will continue our efforts to help our customers quit smoking by offering coupons for nicotine smoking cessation products with all tobacco purchases.”

CVS plans to roll out the re-introduction of tobacco products on a store-by-store basis, with all stores expected to be fully back into the cigarette business by April 1, 2017.