NEWS
NEWS
UK vape store owners are more optimistic about the future than their American counterparts , according to a new report from ECigIntelligence .
And a clear majority even say they have hired more employees since the TPD ( Tobacco Products Directive ) was implemented , despite fears that the TPD would hit the business hard . Across the vape shop owners that responded to the UK survey , there is a positive outlook on the future of the industry , with about three quarters describing themselves as optimistic ( 59 % say they are somewhat optimistic , 16 % say very optimistic ). However , the recent implementation of the TPD has had an impact on the market : mainly on the number of products stocked , due to new product restrictions and packaging requirements . The survey also found that most vape store proprietors are well-established and have owned or operated their business for more than two years , even if there is a trend of new entrants to the UK vape store market .
Many operate similar retail environments : the majority of the shops offer some form of seating area in their store , in the form of a lounge or bar , aimed at enhancing the one-on-one customer service and improving the consumer ’ s shopping experience . From a financial perspective , sales of e-liquids generate the majority of revenue . But patterns for sales of e-liquids and devices are very different ; the e-liquid market is fragmented , with many different products contributing to total sales , while the hardware sector is much more consolidated and more dominated by distributors . The online survey , whose respondents represented more than 500 stores across the country , was carried out with the support of UK trade associations and magazines including ECITA , IBVTA , VIA and Vapouround . The aim was to obtain an overview of the product categories and brands that shops stock , their revenue patterns , and current attitudes towards the state of the e-cigarette industry . The ECigIntelligence report also came as another piece of research , this time from the Local Data Company ( LDC ), found that vape shops continue to be one of the few bright spots for British bricks-and-mortar retail . LDC ’ s Retail and Leisure Report found that more vape shops and tobacconists were opened than any other class of shop last year . UK retail locations saw 551 new vape / tobacconist openings in 2016 . In comparison , there were 482 new barbers and 435 new beauty salons .
• Can you help the e-cigarette industry understand what UK consumers really think about vaping and their products ? Take ECigIntelligence ’ s quick survey today to ensure that your experience counts : https :// www . surveymonkey . com / r / XBMP3K2
20 ISSUE 12 VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE