Does Target Sell Cigarettes? (2023 Guide)

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you only need to pick up a few things from the store, head to Target, and come back with your pocket $200 lighter? 

That’s not uncommon when you visit Target, Walmart, and Publix stores. Grocery stores nowadays stock everything you need, from clothing, food, homeware, medicine, garden tools – you name it, they probably have it. However, what about tobacco? 

With the world more knowledgeable about tobacco’s effects on our health, do stores like Does Target Sell Cigarettes? Let’s find out…

Cigarettes At Target

An estimated 30.8 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes. In 2020 it was estimated that 12.5% of the population smoked. 14% are male, and 11% are female. Each day around 1600 young people try a cigarette for the first time. 

Are tobacco products still as easy to get a hold of as they were in the past? Not exactly. This is to encourage young people to avoid even trying cigarettes. In 2005 an estimated 21 out of every 100 adults smoked cigarettes. By 2020 it was estimated that 13 out of 100 adults smoked. That’s a decrease of 20.9%. Will the smoking population decrease again by 2035? Only time will tell.

Read more: Does Target Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Encouragement to quit…

So does one of the biggest retailers in the US stock tobacco products? Perhaps a positive, the answer is no. Target no longer sells any products containing tobacco. That includes cigars, cigarettes, rolling tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Other smoking supplies are also prohibited except for ashtrays and lighters, which arguably could be used for other things, not only smoking.

 However, Target instead sells items for their customers to quit smoking. This includes nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches to help people quit. 

Why Did Target Stop Selling Tobacco?

You may believe this is a recent change to health and wellbeing; however, according to the New York Times, there is another reason for stopping the sale of tobacco. In 1996 Target announced it would no longer sell tobacco products. It cost the store too much money to keep tobacco out of minors’ hands. 

The late 90s saw a curb that aimed to discourage teens from smoking as more information was coming out about the damage of smoking. Regulations on teen smoking were beginning, and states were pushing for an 18 and older age requirement for smokers. Target also states in the 90s that cigarettes contributed to less than 1% of their profits due to theft and expenses related to stopping minors from obtaining them.

Does Target Sell Cigars?

No, they don’t sell cigars. However, they do sell books with information about different types of cigars and their origin. Books instore include The Ultimate Cigar Book by Richard Carelton and Cigars: A Guide by Nicholas Foulkes.

Does Target Sell E-Cigarettes?

Nowadays, youngsters are turning to vapes. It’s not uncommon to see clouds of smoke coming from young groups, cars, or nightclubs. Target does not sell any of these products as they come under tobacco products. If you do want to buy a vape or e-cigarette, you can purchase them at vape shops which are situated in shopping malls and storefronts across the state. 

Does Target Sell E-Cigarette Supplies?

Again, no. Because these products come under the tobacco category, the store has not ever supplied or sold e-cigarette products. For example, replacement parts and cartridges for e-cigs can’t be found in stores or online. They don’t sell any batteries specifically for vaping; however, they do sell generic batteries like AAA and AA.

If you need electrical products for your vape, such as chargers and USB plugs, you’ll probably be able to pick these up at Target for a good price. 

Does Target Sell Rolling Papers?

Again, whether you need rolling papers for tobacco, you won’t find these at Target. You can instead find these items at a tobacco store or convenience store which sells tobacco products. 

What Smoking Supplies Does Target Sell?

Target has a small selection of things that can be associated with smoking but are not directly linked. Most of these items can be used for something else. These include:

Unlike Europe or other countries around the world, the states have very strict laws and ID policies. This means that in most states, you must be over the age of 21 to buy any of these listed products. You must also have proof of ID if you are asked by a staff member. 

Does Target Sell Products To Help Me Quit Smoking?

They sell several products to help people quit the habit. Target pharmacies stock products such as nicotine gum, lozenges, and nicotine patches in various sizes to suit their customer’s needs. 

Target stocks well-known brands such as Nicorette and NicoDerm, but also stock their own versions of these products, which are usually more price friendly. Most store brand names are very similar to branded products; you just have to read the ingredients section to see. 

No prescription is needed…

For products like this, you don’t require a prescription. This means you do not need to see a doctor before you start taking any of these. Simply read the instructions on the box and do it at your own will. This is a great incentive for the public or those who wish to stop smoking. 

Read more: Does Rite Aid Sell Cigarettes?

Stores In The US That Sell Tobacco Products

Not everyone has jumped on Target’s bandwagon, but you’ll find that not many big-name stores offer tobacco products. However, these companies have decided to continue the sale of tobacco products throughout their stores in the United States:

Thinking Of Working At Target?

Well, we can help! To learn more about the company, take a look at our Target Mission and Vision Statement Analysis; following that, check out our Target Application and the most commonly asked Target Interview Questions to help you prepare for your interview in 2023.

If you’re still in school, you’ll need to know How Old Do You Have To Be To Work at Target, as well as Does Target Have A Student Discount, Does Target Pay Weekly, and lastly, Does Target Hire Felons if you have a criminal record.

If you’re heading out shopping at Target, then you might be wondering Does Target Take EBT, When Does Target Restock, or perhaps, Does Target Sell Stamps, and if you require a service dog, then our Are Dogs Allowed in Target should give you the necessary insight.

Does Target Sell Cigarettes – Final Thoughts

So, now you know the answer to Does Target Sell Cigarettes, Target has been tobacco-free since 1996. They do not sell any new products on the market like e-cigarettes or vapes either. The only products linked to tobacco that they sell are lighters and car adapters. 

Target was one of the first major retailers to stop tobacco products. However, many have jumped on the bandwagon since. With Walmart banning cigarette sales in some stores throughout the states, it’s likely that in the future major retailers will follow suit.

Enjoy shopping at Target!