Lewis Drug to Kick the Habit By Halting Sales of Nicotine Products

If you're looking to pick up a pack of smokes anytime soon, you'll have to scratch off one Sioux Empire drug store chain from the list.

The Lewis Drug Stores recently announced that they plan to kick the habit and move away from selling nicotine products.

According to Dakota News Now, Lewis Drug Stores began phasing out cigarettes and other nicotine items back in February, with plans to eliminate them entirely over the next couple of years. That means those last-minute runs for a pack of smokes at your neighborhood Lewis will soon be a thing of the past.

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Why are they kicking cigarettes and other nicotine products to the curb?

The Sioux Falls-based company says the move is tied directly to its partnership with Sanford Health and a shared mission to improve community health across the region. In a press release, Lewis Drug emphasized its commitment to supporting healthier lifestyles, which ultimately led to the decision to stop selling a variety of nicotine products.

Lewis Drug isn’t alone in this decision. More than 8,000 retailers nationwide have already stopped selling nicotine products as part of a broader push toward health-focused retail. Major chains like CVS Pharmacy, Target, and Stop & Shop have all taken similar steps over the years. Even big-box retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club have scaled back their nicotine offerings in certain markets.

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It’s worth noting that Lewis Drug isn’t eliminating all nicotine-related items. Customers will still be able to purchase products like nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, tools designed to help people quit rather than continue the habit.

Don’t expect any changes in the beer and wine aisle; Lewis Drug Stores still plans to keep selling alcohol in the future.