The Impact and Role of Tobacco and E-Cigarette Sales in Retail Stores

Sep.02.2022
The Impact and Role of Tobacco and E-Cigarette Sales in Retail Stores
A study in the US INFORMS magazine examines the effects of retailers abandoning product categories, such as tobacco.

A study titled "What Happens When Retailers Abandon Product Categories?" published in the marketing science journal INFORMS, has found that tobacco products play a significant role in driving foot traffic to physical retail stores. The research also highlights the negative microeconomic effects that bans on tobacco can have, whether voluntary or mandated.


On one hand, ceasing the sale of electronic cigarette products could potentially lower foot traffic from that customer base and trickle down to other categories of sales. On the other hand, a store's voluntary decision to end tobacco sales could attract more non-smokers to their establishment and offset any losses from discontinuing that category of sales, the researchers stated. "However, in regards to tobacco specifically, our results suggest that the short-term gains retailers receive from prohibiting tobacco sales do not appear to outweigh the economic losses associated with these actions.


A recent study focused exclusively on early adopters of electronic cigarette shops found that these shops play a crucial role in supporting smokers in transitioning to safer alternative products. Researchers interviewed 22 customers recruited from electronic cigarette shops in the East Midlands region of England by telephone, exploring the participants' smoking history, reasons for using electronic cigarettes, the role of electronic cigarette shops in electronic cigarette use, and whether quitting smoking was discussed in the electronic cigarette shops.


According to the survey, respondents view e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool and reported very positive experiences with vaping. Participants found e-cigarette shops to be crucial to their positive experiences as they provided access to information and recommendations for various high-quality and reliable products.


Store employees have generated a sense of loyalty among customers and, along with other electronic cigarette users, have created a network that supports the use of e-cigarettes. While e-cigarette shops are not typically seen as places that offer smoking cessation advice, many consider them a potential source of support in quitting smoking.


The study concludes that electronic cigarette stores play an important role in reducing tobacco harm, and that their potential could increase if their service model could expand to help smokers quit smoking.


Disclaimer: 1. This article's content is compiled from third-party information and is only intended for industry exchange and learning purposes. 2. This article does not represent the opinion of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The article's compilation is only used for industry exchange and research. 3. Due to the limited level of compilation, the compiled article may not fully express the original article's message, so please refer to the original article. 4. Regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or foreign expressions and stances, 2FIRSTS fully aligns with the Chinese government. 5. The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan May Ban E-Cigarettes Pending State Council Review
Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan May Ban E-Cigarettes Pending State Council Review
Negeri Sembilan may impose a state-wide e-cigarette ban, with Chief Minister Aminuddin backing the Malaysian Medical Association’s call and referring the proposal to the state executive council.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 6 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in England, Enforcement Upgraded
Over 6 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in England, Enforcement Upgraded
Over the past three years, more than 6 million illegal e-cigarettes have been seized in England, with the majority of confiscations concentrated in areas such as Sittingbourne, Kent, and Salford. The UK government is set to ban disposable e-cigarettes starting June 1, alongside increased enforcement resources and stronger border inspections, aiming to improve market order. Despite some progress, local law enforcement officials believe that illegal e-cigarettes are still circulating in "millions,
Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco Harm Reduction Expert Derek Yach on the 2025 E-Cigarette Summit: What Did We Learn?
Tobacco Harm Reduction Expert Derek Yach on the 2025 E-Cigarette Summit: What Did We Learn?
Despite institutional setbacks, the 2025 E-Cigarette Summit demonstrated that the field of tobacco harm reduction remains vibrant and forward-looking. The path to ending combustible tobacco use will require rigorous research, inclusive dialogue and a willingness to innovate—especially for those most at risk.
May.23
2Firsts Interviews Afubra’s Marcilio Drescher: Can Brazil’s Tobacco Growers Adapt to the NGP Era?
2Firsts Interviews Afubra’s Marcilio Drescher: Can Brazil’s Tobacco Growers Adapt to the NGP Era?
Brazil has long been hailed as a global model in tobacco farming—known for its high yields, quality leaf, and sustainable practices. But shifting demographics, labor shortages, and the rise of next-generation products are reshaping the landscape. In this 2Firsts exclusive, Afubra President Marcilio Drescher reflects on 70 years of progress and the uncertain road ahead for Brazil’s 90,000 growers.
Jun.09
Lib Dem MPs call for tax cuts on heated tobacco products
Lib Dem MPs call for tax cuts on heated tobacco products
LDP lawmaker Tanaka calls for tax breaks on heated tobacco products, government remains skeptical on harm reduction benefits.
Apr.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arkansas Passes PMTA Registration Bill, First State to Ban Personal Possession of Illegal E-Cigarettes
Arkansas Passes PMTA Registration Bill, First State to Ban Personal Possession of Illegal E-Cigarettes
Arkansas has become the 12th US state to pass a PMTA registration bill, and the first to ban personal possession of non-compliant e-cigarettes. The law, backed by traditional tobacco firms, includes some exemptions for open-system products but leaves questions over bottled e-liquids. The new rules will take effect in November 2025, with penalties for retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers who violate the law.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai