What is Target’s Policy on Selling Tobacco Products?

Do Target Sell Cigarettes? If you’re a smoker or just interested in what tobacco products are at this well-known store, you’re in the right spot.

Around 30.8 million people in the U.S. smoke cigarettes, and about 12.5% of the population smoked in 2020. Of this, 14% are male, and 11% are female.

Shockingly, every day, approximately 1600 young people try a cigarette for the first time.

But with many businesses cutting down on tobacco sales, you might be wondering if Target still sells cigarettes. Let’s explore that!

Do Target Sell Cigarettes?

Target announced that it would cease cigarette sales at all 714 of its U.S. stores by the end of September 1996, making it the first major retail chain to take such a step.

However, you can find books that talk about various types of cigars and where they come from. 

Some of the books they have in the store include “The Ultimate Cigar Book” by Richard Carelton and “Cigars: A Guide” by Nicholas Foulkes.

These books provide information and details about cigars, helping you understand more about them, their different types, and where they originate from. 

Why Did Target Stop Selling Cigarettes?

Back in 1996, Target decided to stop selling tobacco, and it wasn’t just about health reasons. 

According to the New York Times, the main issue was the cost. Keeping tobacco away from minors was getting expensive for the store.

During the late 90s, there was a push to discourage teenagers from smoking as more information about the harm of smoking came out. 

Rules about teen smoking were getting stricter, and states were pushing for an age requirement of 18 and older for smokers. 

Target also mentioned that in the 90s, cigarettes made up less than 1% of their profits because of theft and the costs associated with preventing minors from getting them.

Does Target Sell Smoking Cessation Aids?

Yes, Target sells smoking cessation aids to help you quit smoking. If you’re trying to stop, they have the following to help you:

• Nicotine patches
• Nicorette Gum
• Prescription medications like Chantix. 
• Snuff

Target wants to help you be healthier, so they offer these products to make quitting smoking easier. 

It’s not easy to quit, but having these tools can help. If you’re ready to quit, you can find these things at Target, either in the store or online. 

What Smoking Supplies Does Target Sell?

The products that are sold by Target are limited in their number; they are more or less associated with smoking but can also be used in other ways.

1. Lighters: The cigarette accessory includes lighters which are sold by Target.

2. Cigarette Car Adapter: An electronic item used in cars to charge electronic gadgets and is commonly associated with smoking because of its name.

3. Indoor and Outdoor Ashtrays: Ashholders in containers for outdoor and indoor use.

4. Cigarette Butt Disposables: Products developed especially to discard cigarette butts properly.

However, it’s important to point out that in the United States, these products are subject to strict restrictions.

For any of these products that would be purchased, you must be 21 years old or older and must be ready with any form of identification to be shown to store staff if it is requested.

Does Target Sell E-Cigarette Accessories?

At Target, you won’t find replacement parts or refills for e-cigarettes, and they don’t offer in-store or online services for refilling cartridges.

Also, Target doesn’t sell batteries designed specifically for vaping, but you can still get regular batteries like AAA and AA at their store.

You can get cables of micro-USB and USB for your vaping device at reasonable prices at Target. Just make sure they match what the device requires.

If you are looking for e-cigarettes or vaping pens, the nearest vape store or a tobacco store is the best place to be.

They normally give an array of alternatives that you can select from.

What Other Stores Still Sell Cigarettes?

If you’re thinking about where to buy cigarettes and are curious if Target is an option, it’s good to know that Target stopped selling cigarettes a while back. 

However, there are many other stores where you can still find them. 

Some of these include Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, Sam’s Club, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Winco. 

These places still have cigarettes available if that’s what you’re looking for.

How to Get Involved in Tobacco Control Efforts

If you care about doing something to fight against tobacco, there are different ways you can get involved. 

One way is to join groups in your community or across the country that work to make rules and plans to reduce smoking. These groups often do events and campaigns, and talk to people in power to bring attention to the issue and make things better.

You can also contribute to the initiatives that are aimed at educating the youth about the reasons why they should not start smoking.

You could donate your time or give some funds that will help such programs teach kids about the deadly effects of tobacco consumption and how to make good decisions.

You may as well consider volunteering for tobacco-related studies if you wish to. These studies gathered important data that enables the development of more effective rules and methods for quitting smoking.

By participating in these studies, you’re actively engaging in the struggle against nicotine dependency.

Bearing in mind that little things that you do can accumulate in creating a big difference in the battle to contain the problems from smoking.

Tobacco sales were phased out of the Target stores in 1996 and they do not sell cigarettes. Despite selling e-cigarette accessories, real cigarettes are not part of their stocking.

If you are interested in combating smoking, then participating in local organizations, advocating for anti-smoking programs, or involvement in research studies should be considered.

As simple as this sounds, even small deeds from you can contribute to a healthier environment free from tobacco problems.