Schnucks, one of the Midwest's largest grocery store chains, will stop selling cigarettes, chewing tobacco and other tobacco products as of January 1st.
Schnucks announced the move Thursday. It operates 115 stores overall in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. The privately-held company already does not sell e-cigarettes or vaping products.
Other chains have stopped selling tobacco products in recent years, including CVS. Walmart announced in May that it was raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21 from 18.
Schnucks said the decision to end tobacco sales is part of a broader effort to focus on wellness and promote healthier choices for customers.
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