[Red in Blue PA]

It’s not a Government decision; it’s a private company’s business decision

If you think no politics went into this in the background, then I have a bridge to sell you. They even got an atta boy from obozo.

Oh, and the stock price yesterday? CVS was DOWN while Walgreen's and Riteaid were UP. So we can see this is NOT about what is best for the shareholders.

[ToastedHead]

You are absolutely correct. The only front end sales overnight are directly related to cigarettes, so they might as well get rid of the snack section. Furthermore, I had a lot of walk in emergency room people buy cigarettes with their rx. (Don’t care, free country, sales mean job security.) Those rxs will now go to Walgreens.

I see this being a move to further cut staff hours, conveniently disguised as “caring about people.”

[Hilda]

If you think no politics went into this in the background, then I have a bridge to sell you.

I have no reason to believe that it did. Yes, zero said he liked it. So have some conservatives. I don't see how smoking has much to do with party.

Oh, and the stock price yesterday? CVS was DOWN while Walgreen's and Riteaid were UP.

That's true, but I'm certainly not going to assume long-term sales on the basis of one day in the stock market. It might be a real indicator and the reaction of real investors. It might mean that it just affected some idiot day-traders. Or it might be coincidence. And it was only about 1% each way. One day in the stock market doesn't tell you about a long-term plan.

[Conscience of a Conservative]

Oh, and the stock price yesterday? CVS was DOWN while Walgreen's and Riteaid were UP. So we can see this is NOT about what is best for the shareholders.

Others disagree:

Steve Cortes, founder of Veracruz TJM believes the company's exit from tobacco was a small sacrifice and a good move for the company from business perspective.

"It's too small of a percentage of revenue," says Cortes. "But, I think this is a very strong move for the company if for no other reason than just the PR aspect, the fact that we're talking about it right now. That kind of earned media coverage and goodwill is significant."

As well, the change in policy is consistent with the company's future, says Cortes.

"Selling tobacco is yesterday's business," says Cortes. "The future in an aging society is healthcare and I think that CVS is positioned exactly correctly for that kind of an aging demographic society."