US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future

Special Report by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia
Jan.26.2024
US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future
As the FDA increases regulation on vaping, how do overseas e-cigarette products enter California? Which e-cigarettes have gained popularity among consumers? What are the unique features of these products?

Special Statement:

This article is for internal research and exchange within the industry only. It does not recommend any brand or product. Minors are prohibited from accessing it.


 

The TPE24 conference is set to open soon, and 2FIRSTS has dispatched staff to explore the offline e-cigarette market in the United States. As the FDA increases regulation on vaping, how do overseas e-cigarette products enter California? Which e-cigarettes have gained popularity among consumers? What are the unique features of these products?

 

"Establish Company in the United States"

 

On January 24th, 2FIRSTS visited a retailer whose store size and e-cigarette product offerings were extensive. The retailer stated that importing e-cigarettes now requires a Tobacco Import License from the United States as well as a U.S. commercial account, otherwise the goods may be seized by customs. He further suggested that in order to continue selling in the U.S. market, the optimal solution for Chinese e-cigarette brands would be to establish a brand company in the U.S., export products from China themselves, and distribute them through these retailers.

 

US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future
Store products | Image source: 2FIRSTS

 

According to 2FIRSTS, tobacco business licenses in California are divided into three levels:

 

  • Retail license, $200 per year
  • Wholesale license, $260 per year
  • Distribution license, $4000 per year

 

According to the information provided. From observation on-site, it is evident that flavored tobacco products still dominate the market. A retailer was seen buying 6 boxes of FLUM's Pebble series e-cigarettes, 5 boxes of GEEK BAR Pulse e-cigarettes with side screens, some rolling papers, and 16 boxes of zyn flavored nicotine pouches. This purchase highlights the continued demand for flavored products in the market.

 

The seasoning ban implemented in California caused a 20% decline in his store's sales. When asked if he had tried online channels, the retailer stated that he had not made any attempts.

 

In another retailer's store, the staff informed 2FIRSTS that the flavor ban has led to a decrease in their sales by around 30%. However, they continue to sell other tobacco-related products, such as hookahs, rolling papers, and lighters.

 

The dealer pointed out that taste bans are primarily enforced at the retail level and have minimal impact on the wholesale end. Additionally, they do not consider adopting online channels for tobacco product sales due to the significant risks associated with selling tobacco products online.

 

Bestsellers: FLUM and GEEK BAR

 

The employees of both stores unanimously stated that FLUM's Pebble series is the best-selling e-cigarette brand of 2023.

 

US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future
FLUM|Image Source: 2FIRSTS

 

The staff of the first store told 2FIRSTS that their selection criteria for products prioritize quality and taste, rather than design, believing that the key to long-lasting sales of e-cigarette products lies in their quality and flavor. They gave an example: FLUM Pebble, a product that lacks curved screens or displays, but became a best-selling product in their store in 2023 due to its excellent quality and flavor.

 

The employee at the second store believes that while FLUM's Pebble series is still popular, they are also optimistic about the advantages of the GEEK BAR Pulse with its side screen. This product is prominently displayed at the front of the store, and the employee believes it will be the best-selling brand in 2024.

 

US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future

 

2FIRSTS will continue to explore the offline market in the United States, focusing on new trends and development directions in the American e-cigarette industry. After the end of the exhibition, 2FIRSTS will be hosting a deep sharing event on TPE and the American market on February 6th. During this event, 2FIRSTS' Global Executive Editor-in-Chief, Yuna Hou, and the American team will share the latest discoveries from the exhibition and delve into topics such as product trends and policy direction in the United States. For more information and registration, please scan the QR code below to contact 2FIRSTS staff members.

 

US Market Survey | LA: FLUM Leads by a Wide Margin, GEEK BAR Shows Promising Future

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Russia’s Industry Minister Urges Full E-Cigarette Ban as Lawmakers Draft Bill to Halt Production and Imports
Russia’s Industry Minister Urges Full E-Cigarette Ban as Lawmakers Draft Bill to Halt Production and Imports
Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov has expressed support for a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, calling it "especially important." The Health Ministry backed the idea earlier in 2025. Lawmakers in the State Duma are now drafting a bill to ban the production and import of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, aiming to strengthen regulation.
Jun.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
[2Firsts Special Report] EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal Issues Key Decision: China YTI Gains Procedural Advantage in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute with Philip Morris
[2Firsts Special Report] EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal Issues Key Decision: China YTI Gains Procedural Advantage in Heated Tobacco Patent Dispute with Philip Morris
The EPO’s Enlarged Board of Appeal has issued decision G 1/24, confirming that claims must always be interpreted with reference to the description and drawings. This standard supports the position of China YTI in its heated tobacco patent dispute with Philip Morris, giving the Chinese company a procedural advantage. The case now returns to the Technical Board of Appeal for further review.
Jun.19
PMI launches heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt
PMI launches heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt
PMI launches its latest heat-not-burn device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt, featuring innovative technologies including the Smartcore induction system while maintaining compatibility with existing TEREA consumables, advancing its smoke-free strategy.
Jun.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s STMA Holds E-cigarette Regulatory Press Conference, Discloses Policy Enforcement and Industry Development Guidelines
China’s STMA Holds E-cigarette Regulatory Press Conference, Discloses Policy Enforcement and Industry Development Guidelines
May.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Launches Global Smoke-Free Travel Information Platform: 2Firsts Shares User Insights and Trend Analysis
PMI Launches Global Smoke-Free Travel Information Platform: 2Firsts Shares User Insights and Trend Analysis
Philip Morris International(PMI) has launched the world’s first smoke-free travel platform to address information gaps and regulatory uncertainties for adult nicotine users. 2Firsts reviews its age verification, journey-focused interface, advanced search, and user support, highlighting how it helps adults make compliant cross-border purchases.
Jul.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian MMA Fighter Sparks Outrage After Forcing Chimpanzee to Vape; Animal’s Health Deteriorates, Surgery May Be Needed
Russian MMA Fighter Sparks Outrage After Forcing Chimpanzee to Vape; Animal’s Health Deteriorates, Surgery May Be Needed
Russian MMA fighter Anastasia Luchkina has faced global backlash after filming a video of a chimpanzee vaping at a wildlife park in Crimea. According to park officials, the chimpanzee is experiencing a health crisis after ingesting vape liquid and may require surgery.
Jul.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai