Does Target Sell Cigarettes in 2024? A Deep Dive

With nearly 2,000 retail locations across all 50 states, Target is a go-to store for millions of Americans in search of apparel, home furnishings, electronics, groceries, and more. But with many major chains cutting ties with tobacco, you may be wondering: does Target sell cigarettes?

A Look at Target‘s History With Tobacco

Target made waves in 1996 when it became one of the first major retailers to remove all tobacco products from its stores.

According to a New York Times report at the time, Target estimated it was spending $200,000 per week on efforts to keep cigarettes away from underage shoppers. Facing rising costs and criticism of enabling smoking, Target ultimately pulled all tobacco products.

This pioneering decision had ripple effects across the retail landscape, with Walmart, Kmart, and many other chains eventually following Target‘s lead.

Nearly 30 years later, Target remains steadfast in not stocking cigarettes or other tobacco merchandise. They project this policy will remain in place indefinitely.

Examining Target‘s Motivations

Target‘s choice to go tobacco-free in 1996 was driven by several factors that remain relevant today:

• Financial – Keeping cigarettes behind counters and enforcing age restrictions was expensive. Tobacco sales represented only 2% of Target‘s revenue, so eliminating this headache provided monetary incentive.

• Legal – Given the health impacts of smoking, Target likely wanted to avoid potential lawsuits down the line. This legal risk remains today.

• PR and Brand Image – Selling tobacco clashed with Target‘s family-friendly branding. Removing cigarettes helped cement Target‘s wholesome, health-conscious reputation.

• Health Trends – With public opinion turning against smoking in the 90‘s, getting out of tobacco aligned Target with broader societal shifts.

• Shifting Industry – As major retailers dropped tobacco products, it made business sense for Target to follow suit and avoid a competitive disadvantage.

The Impact on Target‘s Bottom Line

While tobacco represented only a minor share of sales, quitting cigarettes cold turkey did have financial implications for Target.

According to supermarket guru Phil Lempert, quoted in the Chicago Tribune, Target likely sacrificed $200 million per year in revenue from tobacco products and related purchases.

However, this loss was offset somewhat by increased food store traffic. Target saw $92 million in extra grocery purchases in the year after removing tobacco.

Ultimately, the benefits of exiting tobacco outweighed the costs. Target‘s sales and share price rose steadily in the years following their bold move.

How Other Retailers Compare

Target helped kick off a retail shift away from tobacco sales in the mid-90‘s. Here is how Target‘s cigarette policy compares to key competitors today:

With most large chains now tobacco-free, Target‘s decision looks prescient. They avoided later public pressure and suspicion faced by retailers who waited before ending cigarette sales.

Can You Still Buy Smoking Supplies at Target?

While cigarettes and tobacco are off the shelves, Target does continue to sell select smoking accessories:

• Lighters
• Ashtrays
• Cigarette waste receptacles

These items are available both online and in-store. Per federal rules, you must show ID and be 21+ to purchase lighters.

Target also stocks nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, and other cessation aids. Their Up&Up store brand provides affordable options.

How This Impacts Target Shoppers

For smokers, Target‘s lack of tobacco sales means you‘ll need to purchase cigarettes elsewhere. But Target doesn‘t want to leave you without options to quit. Their smoking cessation products provide an accessible way to start your journey toward a smoke-free life.

For non-smokers, Target‘s tobacco ban means you can shop in their stores without cigarette sales enabling your own temptation or that of your children. Target‘s smoke-free policy fits the family-friendly brand shoppers expect.

The Verdict: Target Remains Tobacco-Free

In 2024, Target continues to keep all cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products off their shelves, just as they have since 1996.

This pioneering decision to go 100% tobacco-free has stood the test of time. Target remains committed to promoting wellness and catering to family shoppers by not selling any addictive, harmful cigarettes or tobacco in any of their nearly 2,000 stores nationwide.

So if you are wondering “does Target sell cigarettes”, the answer is a firm no. And given the strong business and brand incentives to continue refusing tobacco, Target is likely to remain cigarette-free well into the future.