Walmart Inc. will stop selling e-cigarettes across all stores in the U.S., including Sam's Club, CNBC reported Sept. 20, citing an internal memo.
The retail giant confirmed its decision in an e-mailed statement sent to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
"Given the growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty regarding e-cigarettes, we plan to discontinue the sale of electronic nicotine delivery products at all Walmart and Sam's Club U.S. locations," Walmart said.
The Arkansas-based retailer will complete its exit after selling through the existing inventory.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about lung illnesses possibly linked to the use of e-cigarettes.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 530 cases of lung diseases have been reported in the country. All cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping. Seven people have so far died from these lung-related illnesses.
Recently, the CDC urged people to stop using e-cigarette products until it completes the ongoing investigation into pulmonary illnesses associated with the use of e-cigarettes.
In addition, New York has banned the sale of e-cigarettes, joining the state of Michigan, the first state to ban flavored nicotine vaping products.
