CVS Pharmacy will remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from its shelves by Oct. 1 in order to promote better health for its customers.
“We’re the first national pharmacy chain to step up and take this action,” said Larry Merlo, the president and CEO of the company, in a news release earlier this month.
Although CVS stands to lose as much as $2 billion annually, other Athens stores might stand to benefit.
Jamie Clemons, manager of Dale’s BP, 50 N. Court St., anticipates an uptick in Athens businesses’ tobacco sales when CVS sweeps tobacco products from its shelves.
“I’m sure taking one business off the street will increase sales in other places,” she said.
Mike Carson, owner of Mike’s Dog Shack, located adjacent to the Court Street CVS, expects his store to reap the best benefits of having one fewer competitor.
“I think it’s going to be great for me,” Carson said. “I really want to say I’m a millionaire in the making. It’s going to spike everywhere, but as far as location, I think I’m going to benefit the most. I’m right next door.”
It is unclear whether CVS will begin selling electronic cigarettes.
Brandon Henson, manager of Smoke Zone, 14 W. Union St., said he thinks that his business wouldn’t be greatly affected if CVS began selling e-cigarettes.
“E-cigarettes are taking off way more than I ever thought they would,” he said.
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