More Retailers to Stop Sales of E-Cigarettes

Kroger, Walgreen cite regulatory uncertainty
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 7, 2019 6:32 PM CDT
More Retailers to Stop Sales of E-Cigarettes
Walgreen, which has more than 9,500 US stores, says it will stop selling e-cigarettes.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Two major retailers say they will no longer sell e-cigarettes in the US amid mounting health questions surrounding vaping. Supermarket chain Kroger and drugstore chain Walgreen announced Monday they would discontinue sales of e-cigarettes at their stores nationwide, citing an uncertain regulatory environment, the AP reports. The vaping industry has come under scrutiny after hundreds of people have fallen ill, and at least eight have died after using vaping devices. Walmart announced last month that it would stop selling e-cigarettes at its stores nationwide. Kroger said it would stop selling e-cigarettes as soon at its current inventory runs out at its more than 2,700 stores and 1,500 fuel centers.

A spokesperson for Kroger—which includes Ralphs, Harris Teeter and other stores—called the decision "reflective of developing regulations in a growing number of states and municipalities," per CNBC. Walgreens, which has more than 9,500 US stores, pointed out that it is pulling the products "as the CDC, FDA and other health officials continue to examine the issue." Both chains said they'll still sell tobacco products.

(More e-cigarettes stories.)

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