EVENTS
SN VAPING, HORNCHURCH - 28TH APRIL
WE CONQUERED THE CAPITAL ON THE VAPOUROUND BUS - GORDON STRIBLING
Like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the black cab,
the red double-decker bus is an unmistakable
signifier of London life. It is so integral to our
capital’s identity that filmmakers frequently
use it as a visual cue to help us identify a film’s
setting within seconds of the opening credits.
While we can’t claim that the Vapouround bus has had quite as
big an impact on our cultural identity, it has fast become the ‘big
red bus’ of the vaping industry. On a mild May morning, the bus
weaved its way through East London’s streets and to SN Vaping
in Hornchurch.
Shop owner Steve Nichols prides himself on supporting his local
vaping community. Having cut his industry teeth as a YouTube
reviewer and vlogger, Steve bit the bullet last year, selling his
house to bankroll the shop. Since opening in January, SN Vaping
has developed a reputation as the friendliest and cheapest in the area.
“Some shops will happily sell customers kit that they don’t even
need but we look after our customers so they get exactly what they
require. If they’re a bit low on funds, I trust them to pay us later.”
We set up shop – a pretty straightforward process now the bus
has been revamped – and began welcoming our first customers of
the day. Mark was one of the first to pop his head through the door
and have a look at the shiny interior. Mark successfully switched to
vaping five years ago and hasn’t touched a cigarette since.
“I started with a basic pen and it’s now descended into a full-on mod
addiction. I can’t get enough of them!”
Mark’s only complaint is one that we hear far too often.
“I hate that I have to huddle alongside smokers in the smoking area.
I took up vaping to get away from that.”
Most of those who stopped by were SN Vaping customers, many
of whom praised Steve for his expert knowledge and continued
support as they transitioned from smokers to vapers.
Vapers are spoiled for choice in Hornchurch, not to mention the
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