Removing Candy From Checkout Line Helpful or Hindering Choices?

How would you feel if while waiting in the line at the grocery store, there wasn’t any shiny wrapped candy or chocolate available for you to grab? Glad to not be tempted? Or, miffed that the convenience of being able to make an impulse buy of a treat had been taken away?
Well the world’s third largest grocery retail chain, Tesco announced in late May to remove all sweets and chocolates from the checkout lines in their Metro and Express Convenience stores across the United Kingdom. Their larger stores have not had candy near the checkouts for the past 20 years.
Field Reporter Greg Martin has more
Martin: “According to Tesco’s press release, the retail decided this move following research that found that nearly two-thirds of the shoppers said removing candy from the checkout lines would help them make healthier choices. In fact, Tesco’s research also showed that 67 percent of the parents said that not having to pass the candy in line to pay for their groceries would help them to make healthier choices for both them and their children. Tesco’s CEO Phillip Clarke said, ‘We all know how easy it is to be tempted by sugary snacks at the checkout, and we want to help our customers lead healthier lives.’ Tesco will be trialing a variety of healthier products at checkouts before implementing the full change across all stores at year’s end.”
Thanks, Greg. What do you think of this move? Is it something that needs to happen here in the U.S. or is it more Food Police-type antics?