While the vast majority of Walmart locations in the US sell cigarettes, there are some exceptions.
According to an article published by Web MD in March of 2022, Walmart recently ended the sale of cigarettes in some of its US locations due to ongoing debate among the company’s leadership.
Walmart stores in the following states are no longer selling cigarettes:
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- New Mexico
This decision came on the heels of advice from health experts who argue that, because tobacco products are responsible for 20% of the deaths in the US each year, stores that have pharmacies should not sell cigarettes. Some of Walmart’s leadership seem to agree with this sentiment, which is notable since Walmart accounted for 14% of total cigarette sales in the US in 2021.
In 2019, Walmart also ceased all sales of electronic cigarettes and vaping products in its Walmart and Sam’s Club stores.
Contents
What Kinds Of Cigarettes Does Walmart Sell?
At Walmart retail locations that carry cigarettes, you can find a wide variety of the most popular tobacco brands in the world. But when it comes to types of cigarettes, you will only find classic filter cigarettes as well as pouches of loose tobacco.
Walmart does not sell electronic cigarettes, vapes or vaping products, juul pods, etc.
The most popular cigarette brand sold at Walmart is Malboro.
You can also find the following brands of cigarettes at Walmart:
- Camel
- Newport
- Pall Mall
- Maverick
- Santa Fe
- Winston
- Kool
Cigarettes Prices At Walmart
Cigarette prices vary state to state based on imposed tobacco taxes. The average price of a pack of cigarettes in the US as of November 2022 is $7, so you can expect the price at Walmart to be similar. Depending on where you live, you might pay slightly less or slightly more per pack.
You’ll also find different prices based on the brands you choose. Popular brands like Marlboro and Camel are bound to have slightly higher prices than more affordable brands like Newport and Pall Mall.
Who Can Buy Cigarettes At Walmart?
If you’re like me, then you remember the days when an 18 year old could legally buy a pack of cigarettes.
But as of January 2022, those days are long gone. Signed into law by Donald J. Trump in March 2019, Engrossed House Bill 1074 raised the legal sales age for tobacco from 18 to 21. Now, all states and territories in the US must abide by this federal law prohibiting anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing tobacco.
So, as long as you are at least 21 years of age and can provide a valid ID, you can purchase cigarettes at any Walmart that sells them.
Walmart’s Self-Checkout Policy
To prevent theft and other illegal activity, cigarettes are typically kept in a locked case or behind a special counter at Walmart. Because of this, you typically must pay for your cigarettes directly at a conventional register from the associate who retrieves them for you.
Technically, things like alcohol and tobacco can be rung up through a self checkout machine, but an employee would still have to verify your age with your ID.
Can You Return Cigarettes To Walmart?
If you ever need to return a pack of cigarettes to Walmart, you’ll need to make sure you do it before you open up the pack.
In order to return cigarettes to Walmart, you must return them unopened and with a receipt to the same store you purchased them from. They must be returned within 90 days of purchase.
If you’d like to exchange your cigarettes for a different brand, you can do so within 90 days as long as your cigarettes are unopened and you can provide a receipt.
FAQs
Does Walmart sell candy cigarettes?
Yes. You can still buy candy cigarettes from Walmart and Walmart.com.
Does Walmart sell Logic electronic cigarettes?
No. Walmart ended all sales of electronic cigarettes in 2019.
Does Walmart sell herbal cigarettes?
No. But you can buy tobacco- and nicotine-free herbal chewing snuff on Walmart.com.
Does Walmart sell cigarettes in Canada?
No. Walmart Canada voluntarily ended sales of all tobacco products in 2022.
Can you buy cigarettes online at Walmart?
No. Walmart.com does not sell any tobacco products, including cigarettes.
Can you buy cigarettes at Walmart with a gift card?
No. Cigarettes are considered a prohibited item when shopping with a gift card at Walmart.
