Stakeholder #2

OpenClipartVectors. 10/2013. https://pixabay.com/en/cigarette-happy-man-smoker-smoke-158433/

The stakeholder grouping that is defined as the customer base for CVS is really quite vague. So, to specify this category a little more, lets break up the customer base into two categories. The non-smoking customer base makes up the mass of the people who shop at CVS. Predominantly, this region is made up of the middle class (simply because the majority of the nation is middle class). However, it is the smoking customer base that this story affects most greatly. This group is also most likely composed of the middle class because of national demographics and because the habit itself does require some source of steady income to upkeep. The smoking customers are encountered similarly to the tobacco companies they rely on. Their personality is not considered; when they define themselves as a smoker, they define themselves as a villain. This is solely due to the poor light shed on cigarette companies. The public instantly associates anyone who participates in the habit to be lesser simply because of the gripping addiction. The non-smoking public views this group to have stereotypically poor hygiene. Smokers are known for reeking like tobacco, having sallow skin, bad breath, and dirty teeth. Another over-generalization of smokers is having a persistent and sickening phlegm filled cough, and a raspy voice.

"I gotta wear this pin. And when people ask, I have to say, "Smoking is bad for you.' I don't want to lie to people because I smoke, and I don't think it's that bad." 

• This quote represents a general view of smoking customers. This quote actually comes from an employee of CVS, though. The habit is not as big of a deal to them as it is for the pharmacy company to be selling the cigarettes. This may indicate that CVS should refurbish the inner components of its company as much as it did for the exterior aspects.

"I won't avoid going to shop there just because they stopped selling cigarettes, but I won't purposely shop there just because of that, either." 

• This quote is directly from a customer who defines themselves as having shopped as CVS, but not necessarily an avid or devoted customer. This claim justifies that CVS made a wise decision for its company and its purpose but, in reality, hardly affects a non-smoking customer.

"No offense, but it's just annoying, at any rate. Just because it isn’t as convenient doesn’t mean I'll have some sort of epiphany and be inspired to stop."

• This quote is from a person who smokes, who would regularly visit CVS to purchase their cigarettes. The general perception of smokers specifically is more oriented against CVS than indifferent to it. Nevertheless, this person describes CVS's decision as more of a inconvenience to them than anything.

The point of view of the non-smoking customer base is more aligned with the stance that CVS took when they decided to stop selling cigarettes. The point of view of the smoking customer base is more in line with that of the tobacco companies, although not as exaggerated. The customer base as a whole is actually relatively unaffected by CVS's decision. There are still many places where cigarettes are available for purchase, whether you are addicted to them or cannot stand the sight of them.