CVS pulls tobacco products from shelves earlier than expected

The sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products at CVS stores is now a thing of the past.

The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that CVS has pulled its tobacco products at the more than 7,000 drug stores a month earlier than expected. The company also has plans to change its name from CVS Caremark to CVS Health.

The move to stop selling the products and focus on consumer health does not come as a surprise. As Forbes noted, the company announced earlier this year that it would do away with the products by October.

So far, CVS has received praise for its decision and the shelves that used to bear a variety of cigarettes brands, now displays Nicorette gum and other aids to help current smokers kick the habit.

"We're doing more and more to extend the front lines of health care," said CEO Larry Merlo.

CVS is the first big-name drugstore to make the bold move. Whether or not its competitors will follow suit remains to be seen.