Lidl Denmark has announced plans to phase out the sales of tobacco products in its own stores by the end of 2028, as it seeks to create a ‘smoke-free’ future.
The retailer will open its first tobacco-free store in Hjørring on 11 May 2023. It expects to open more than 60 new stores in Denmark – all of which will be tobacco-free – over the next few years.
In addition to not selling tobacco in all newly established stores, Lidl is phasing out 20% of the cigarette packs in the chain’s other stores this year, and by the end of 2028, all tobacco products will be a thing of the past at Lidl.
‘Final Stop’
The Danish Cancer Society extended its support for the discounter’s initiative and hopes that it will give impetus to solutions that reduce the number of smokers.
“It is a fantastic initiative, which opens up completely new possibilities for tobacco prevention and means that fewer children and young people start smoking, and it becomes easier to remain smoke-free for those who are trying to quit,” commented Niels Them Kjær, project manager for tobacco prevention at the Danish Cancer Society.
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‘Smoke-Free Future’
“The decision to phase out tobacco in Lidl is well considered,” said Jens Stratmann, CEO of Lidl Denmark. “The chain knows that the decision will have costs, but Lidl still hopes that the initiative will inspire the industry to follow along.
“We are not at the finish line yet, but we are on our way. We hope to inspire more actors to follow suit, so that we can work together towards a smoke-free future in 2030.”
© 2023 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Robert McHugh. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
