What do you think when you see packs of cigarettes displayed next to drugs and medicines in a pharmacy? It became the ordinary to see any tobacco products in stores on a daily basis. I personally have felt confused with such seemingly normal, yet at the depth very contradictory sight. According to the New York Times, 3200 children under the age of 18 are intended to try a cigarette and 700 will become daily smokers, which would result in a significant number of death amongst them. In the meanwhile CVS, the largest pharmaceutical store in the United State announced that they will remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from their product line. Selling harmful substances to human health as a company who focuses on benefiting people’s health is rather hypocritical. Thus if they continued selling both products, they would be considered unethical. This notion resulted in them to make such bold decision to stop tobacco sales so as to reduce the availably of tobacco products. This will provide a new image of the company and will eventually establish a new position in business as an ethical company. However, this is easier said than done. This action will result in diminishing their total annual profit, which could give a negative impact on their business reputation amongst all the stockholders. The executives of the company are now challenged to expand their marketing capabilities. It is necessary to offset the lost by promoting alternate products of their own. Their approach will definitely be meaningful and become a significant step forward towards people’s health and welfare. I admire them for seeking for social responsibility; the common good in exchange for their benefits.
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