Major American retailer announces it will no longer sell cigarettes

Stop & Shop will stop selling cigarettes and vapes this week as part of its dramatic commitment to 'community wellness'. 

The American retailer will remove tobacco products from all 360 of its stores across the northeast from August 31. 

The decision has been embraced by the American Cancer Society and health organizations. 

The announcement follows the lead of CVS, Target and Walmart. 

'From our team of registered dietitians that serve our customers at no cost to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve — and this exit from tobacco is one more way we’re accomplishing that goal,' Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid said in a statement.

Stop & Shop is yet to reveal whether the products were still being sold in high volume. 

Last month, the retailer announced it was closing 32 'underperforming' stores across five states; Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. 

While the number of smokers has gradually decreased globally over the last 25 years, there are still 1.6million in America. 

Many have previously slammed retailers for pulling away from the products and have criticized local politicians for encouraging diminished sales while nurturing a budding marijuana industry.