CVS acts as a pioneer in the health industry with it's decision to ban tobacco sales. It's anti-tobacco stance is a bold move for business and branding. The last major retail chain to end the sale of tobacco products was Target in 1996, almost ten years ago. 

However, the new policy shouldn't come as a surprise when you consider recent trends and changes within the drug store industry. 

More drug stores are offering healthcare services (flu shot anyone?) and promoting a healthy lifestyle though in store promotions with a aisles dedicated to vitamins and supplements, not to mention the commerical advertisements for living a happy healthy life, some advocting they can help people stop smoking.

"Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose" said CVS CEO Larry J. Merlo.   

CVS sees value in branding and business by transforming it's image into a health care store. Though the company makes 1.5 billion in revenue in tobacco sales, it is anticipating the partnerships with hospitals and health care providers will well make up for it. With pharmacuetical sales softening, it's a good PR move.

According to an article by KPCC, CEO Larry Merlo shares why selling tobacco would be hypocritical.

CVS has been working to team up with hospital groups to help deliver patient care, and the presence of tobacco could make for an uncomfortable partnership.

"One of the few questions they ask us is, 'Well if you are going to continue to be apart of the healthcare system, how can you sell tobacco products? and there really is not good answer to that," said Merlo.

KPCC reported from L.A. this morning that they couldn't find many smokers at CVS for reactions, an obvious proof of the lack of demand for tobacco in California and that many residents will not be impacted. 

But for the few tobacco users left in the Golden State...

"It's an inconvenience", said two-year smoker Katherine Balakhovsky, but it won't stop her and her friends from smoking.

"It's just a farther walk," continued Balakhovsky.

CVS is receiving praise from medical groups for it's choice to kick tobacco. 

"We commend CVS for putting public health ahead of their bottom line and recognize the need for pharmacies to focus on supporting health and wellness instead of contributing to disease and death caused by tobacco use," the American Medical Association said.

According to the Food and Drug Administration tobacco accounts for 480,000 deaths per year. A number that is slowly declining in the U.S.

On the other hand, E-Cigarettes sales will continue to spike. 

Read more at KPCC.

Reach Executive Producer Michelle Bergmann here.