cvs health stops selling tobacco CEO: Happy to say we are free CVS pharmacies to stop selling

Over the past half-century, theyve morphed into convenience shops selling household products, snack food, cigarettes, beer and other items besides prescription drugs, vitamins and headache cures

CVS said it also plans to launch a national smoking cessation program this spring that will include information and treatment on how to stop smoking

However, CVS said it does expect to lose about $2 billion in annual revenue from tobacco shoppers, equaling about 17 cents per share

"CVS is pushing aggressively ahead in terms of becoming a provider of care and having in-store pharmacists and nurse practitioners offer high-quality care in a low-cost environment," he said

But company executives have been quick to point out that while chocolate bars in moderation pose little health risk, no amount of tobacco is considered safe

But as the company fends off online retailers and faces the prospect of pharmacy competition from Amazon, it's under pressure to continue its transformation to ensure it doesn't get caught up in the same crisis that has engulfed many traditional retailers