If you‘re one of the nearly 30 million American adults who smoke cigarettes, you know that picking up a pack (or several) is a regular part of your shopping routine. And with over 8,000 locations in 46 states, chances are good that routine includes a stop at your local Family Dollar store. But have you ever wondered about Family Dollar‘s policies when it comes to selling cigarettes and other tobacco products?
As a retail industry expert with over a decade of experience studying consumer trends, I‘m here to provide an inside look at how Family Dollar handles cigarette sales – from the brands they stock to the prices they charge to the rules you‘ll need to follow if you want to buy smokes at this discount retailer. So read on for everything you need to know about purchasing cigarettes at Family Dollar!
Does Family Dollar Actually Sell Cigarettes?
Let‘s start with the basics: yes, Family Dollar stores do sell cigarettes, as well as a variety of other tobacco products. This has been the case since 2012, when the company first made the decision to add cigarettes to its inventory after years of not selling tobacco.
At the time, Family Dollar CEO Howard Levine said that cigarettes were "one of our most requested items" from customers and that selling tobacco would provide "an opportunity to increase trips and drive incremental sales."
He also noted that Family Dollar‘s core customer base tends to have lower income and higher smoking rates than the general population, meaning there was a clear demand for this product category. As Levine put it, "The customer that is shopping us is over-indexed on cigarettes."
So in short, selling cigarettes is a strategic business move for Family Dollar that helps them cater to their target demographic and boost foot traffic to their stores. And it seems to be working – according to a report from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), dollar stores like Family Dollar now account for nearly 15% of total U.S. cigarette sales, up from under 1% a decade ago.
What Kinds of Cigarettes Can You Buy at Family Dollar?
Now that you know cigarettes are indeed sold at Family Dollar, you might be curious about exactly what brands and varieties are available. The good news for smokers is that Family Dollar stocks a wide range of cigarettes to suit every taste (and budget).
Some of the most popular cigarette brands stocked by Family Dollar include:
| Brand | Category | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Marlboro | Premium | High |
| Newport | Premium | High |
| Camel | Premium | High |
| Pall Mall | Discount | Low |
| L&M | Discount | Low |
| Pyramid | Discount | Low |
As you can see, Family Dollar covers all the bases by offering both premium brands like Marlboro and Newport that are favored by many smokers, as well as discount brands such as Pall Mall and Pyramid that come with a lower price tag.
It‘s worth noting that while Family Dollar does aim to sell the most in-demand cigarette brands, not every single variety or style will be available at all times. Specific inventory can vary between different Family Dollar locations based on factors like regional preferences and manufacturer promotions.
According to data from Management Science Associates, the most popular cigarette style nationwide is the full-flavor king size (FFKS), accounting for over 50% of total cigarette sales. However, in some areas menthol cigarettes are especially popular, while in others smokers may prefer the value of a "subgeneric" brand.
Speaking of value, price is hugely important to many cigarette buyers, and this is an area where Family Dollar really stands out. As a discount-oriented retailer, Family Dollar is able to sell cigarettes at very competitive prices compared to convenience stores, gas stations, or pharmacies.
By offering both name-brand premium cigarettes and lower-priced discount cigarettes, Family Dollar aims to attract smokers of all kinds and keep them coming back. After all, tobacco products are known to inspire strong brand loyalty, so selling a customer‘s preferred brand is key to winning repeat business.
How Much Do Cigarettes Cost at Family Dollar?
Of course, the specific amount you can expect to pay for a pack of smokes at Family Dollar will depend on a variety of factors, most notably your location. Cigarette prices are heavily influenced by state and local taxes, which can vary widely from place to place.
According to data from the Federation of Tax Administrators, the average state cigarette tax is $1.91 per pack, but the actual rates range from a low of just 17 cents per pack in Missouri to a high of $4.50 per pack in Washington, D.C. And that‘s not even taking into account additional local taxes that can add several dollars more to the final price tag in some high-cost cities.
So what does this mean for Family Dollar shoppers? In general, you can expect to pay less for cigarettes at a Family Dollar in a low-tax state like Georgia or North Dakota than you would in a high-tax state like New York or Illinois.
For example, a pack of Marlboro Reds might cost around $5-6 at a Family Dollar in a state with low taxes, but closer to $10-11 in a higher-tax location. And certain cities with very high local taxes, such as Chicago or New York City, can see prices climb even higher.
It‘s also important to note that cigarette prices can vary within the same state or even the same city based on the specific store location. Research has shown that retailers in lower-income neighborhoods often charge more for cigarettes than those in more affluent areas.
A 2017 study published in the journal Tobacco Control found that the average pack of cigarettes cost $0.25 more in the poorest zip codes compared to the most affluent ones. The study authors suggest this disparity may be due to "predatory marketing tactics" and a lack of competition in lower-income areas.
Despite these variations, Family Dollar is known for offering some of the lowest cigarette prices around. The company frequently runs promotions and discounts on tobacco products, such as offering two packs for a reduced price or giving out coupons for future purchases.
And unlike some other discount retailers, Family Dollar sells cigarettes by the pack rather than only by the carton, making it easier for smokers to pick up a quick fix without shelling out for a larger quantity.
How Do You Actually Buy Cigarettes at Family Dollar?
Now that you have a sense of what kinds of cigarettes Family Dollar sells and how much they cost, let‘s talk about the actual process of purchasing tobacco products at this retailer.
The first thing to know is that you won‘t find cigarettes just sitting on the shelf next to the laundry detergent or potato chips. Due to regulations designed to restrict access, Family Dollar keeps all tobacco products in a secure location behind the checkout counter.
This means that if you want to buy cigarettes at Family Dollar, you‘ll need to specifically request them from the cashier. Be prepared to state exactly what brand and variety you‘re looking for, as the cashier will need to retrieve them from the locked storage area.
You‘ll also need to provide a valid form of identification to prove that you are at least 21 years old, which is the federal minimum age to purchase tobacco products. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver‘s license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID card. (Note that student IDs and employer badges are not sufficient, even if they include a photo and date of birth.)
Don‘t be surprised if the cashier asks for your ID even if you‘re clearly well over 21. Family Dollar‘s policy is to card anyone who looks under 40 years old in order to ensure compliance with age verification requirements. It may feel a bit silly to get carded if you‘re sporting wrinkles and grey hair, but just go with it – the cashier is only doing their job!
Once you‘ve provided your ID and the cashier has retrieved your cigarettes, they will scan them at the register like any other purchase. Be aware that some states have minimum price laws that dictate the lowest amount a retailer can charge for cigarettes, so your total may be rounded up to meet this threshold.
You‘ll also be required to pay any applicable state and local sales taxes on your cigarette purchase. These taxes can add quite a bit to the final price, so don‘t be caught off guard when the total is higher than the listed shelf price.
Some Family Dollar stores may have additional restrictions or requirements for cigarette purchases, such as limiting the number of packs that can be bought in a single transaction or requiring customers to request tobacco products at a specific register. Be sure to follow any posted signs or instructions from employees to ensure a smooth transaction.
What About E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products?
In addition to traditional cigarettes, Family Dollar stores also sell a selection of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. These battery-powered devices heat a liquid solution (usually containing nicotine) to create an inhalable vapor, and have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to smoking.
The specific e-cigarette brands and products available at Family Dollar may vary by location, but in general the retailer stocks a range of disposable e-cigs, rechargeable vaporizers, and refill cartridges in various flavors.
Some of the most common e-cigarette brands sold at Family Dollar include:
- Vuse
- blu
- NJoy
- MarkTen
Like traditional cigarettes, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase e-cigarettes or vaping products at Family Dollar. The sales process is similar, with these products kept behind the counter and requiring age verification with a valid ID.
Prices for e-cigarettes at Family Dollar tend to be competitive with other retail channels, although the exact cost will depend on the specific product and any applicable taxes. For example, a single disposable e-cigarette might cost around $6-8, while a rechargeable vaporizer starter kit could be priced at $20-30.
It‘s important to note that while e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, they still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals. The long-term health effects of vaping are not yet fully understood, and the FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.
Tips for Smokers Looking to Quit or Cut Back
While everyone has the right to make their own choices about smoking, there‘s no denying that cigarette use comes with serious health risks. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 5 deaths each year.
If you‘re a smoker who buys cigarettes at Family Dollar or any other retailer, it‘s never too late to try to quit or cut back. Of course, as any smoker knows, kicking the habit is easier said than done. Nicotine is highly addictive, and the physical and psychological cravings can be intense.
But with the right tools and support, many smokers are able to successfully reduce their cigarette consumption or quit entirely. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you‘re looking to make a change:
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Consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): Products like nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you cut back on smoking. Family Dollar sells several NRT options that can be a convenient way to access these tools.
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Identify your smoking triggers: Pay attention to the situations or emotions that typically prompt you to reach for a cigarette, such as stress, boredom, or socializing. Once you know your triggers, you can work on finding alternative coping mechanisms or avoiding tempting situations altogether.
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Don‘t go it alone: Quitting smoking is a big undertaking, and it‘s okay to need help along the way. Reach out to supportive friends or family members, join a support group, or talk to your doctor about your goals. There are also many free resources available through organizations like the American Lung Association or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
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Track your progress: Whether you‘re cutting back gradually or quitting cold turkey, keeping a record of your cigarette consumption can help you stay on track. Consider using a smartphone app or old-fashioned pen and paper to log each cigarette you smoke (or resist) throughout the day.
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Celebrate your successes: Quitting smoking is a process, and every step in the right direction deserves to be acknowledged. Treat yourself to a reward for hitting milestones like going a full day without smoking or saving a certain amount of money by not buying cigarettes. Over time, these small victories can add up to big changes.
At the end of the day, the decision to quit smoking is a deeply personal one. What works for one person may not work for another, and it‘s okay if it takes multiple attempts to find a method that sticks.
If you do choose to buy cigarettes at Family Dollar or any other retailer, know that there is no shame in it. The important thing is to be honest with yourself about your habits and open to the possibility of change if and when you‘re ready.
The Bottom Line on Buying Cigarettes at Family Dollar
So there you have it – a comprehensive look at Family Dollar‘s cigarette sales policies and practices from a retail industry insider.
To recap, yes, you can buy cigarettes at most Family Dollar stores across the country. The retailer stocks a wide range of popular brands at competitive prices, although the exact selection and cost may vary by location due to differences in state and local taxes.
To purchase cigarettes at Family Dollar, you‘ll need to be at least 21 years old and provide a valid form of identification. The cigarettes themselves are kept behind the counter, so you‘ll need to request your specific brand and variety from the cashier.
In addition to traditional cigarettes, Family Dollar also sells a selection of e-cigarettes and vaping products, which are subject to the same age restrictions and sales procedures.
While Family Dollar‘s decision to sell cigarettes is a strategic business move designed to appeal to its core customer base, it‘s important to remember that smoking comes with serious health risks. If you‘re a smoker looking to quit or cut back, there are resources and support services available to help you reach your goals.
Ultimately, whether or not to buy cigarettes at Family Dollar (or anywhere else) is a personal choice that each individual must make for themselves. But armed with the information in this article, you can at least navigate the process with confidence and understanding.
