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.

Usonic Dual Launched: China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Debut Full-Area Thermal Field Technology
Usonic Dual Launched: China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Debut Full-Area Thermal Field Technology
China Tobacco Hunan IC and Firstunion Group unveiled the Usonic Dual at InterTabac 2025, showcasing a groundbreaking full-area thermal field system and AI-powered interactive design that redefines the heated tobacco experience.
Sep.19
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
This opinion piece, submitted by Samrat Chowdhery to 2Firsts, challenges the logic of tobacco price elasticity. It argues that high taxes often harm vulnerable populations and fuel illicit markets rather than reducing smoking.
Oct.21
Singapore Experts warn “vitamin diffusers” are not a healthy alternative to vapes; HSA steps up enforcement
Singapore Experts warn “vitamin diffusers” are not a healthy alternative to vapes; HSA steps up enforcement
Driven by social media promotion, “vitamin diffusers” are being marketed online as a healthier substitute for e-vaporisers. Singapore respiratory and pharmacy experts caution that ingredient lists are unclear, heating can generate unknown degradants, and there is no medical evidence of health benefits from inhaled vitamins. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) recently fined a man found with a vitamin diffuser and reminded the public that imitation tobacco products are illegal. Authorities have a
Sep.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
B.C. Plans World’s First E-Cigarette Public Health Accountability Law Aimed at “Deceptive Marketing”
B.C. Plans World’s First E-Cigarette Public Health Accountability Law Aimed at “Deceptive Marketing”
British Columbia, Canada is advancing what it calls the world’s first e-cigarette Public Health Accountability law, granting the government authority to sue companies for “deceptive marketing.” The move puts public-health risks at the center of vaping industry compliance.
Oct.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Netherlands’ Vrijdag Showcases Anti-Counterfeit and Eco-Friendly Cigar Band Designs in Dortmund; NFC and Multi-Band Trends Draw Attention
Netherlands’ Vrijdag Showcases Anti-Counterfeit and Eco-Friendly Cigar Band Designs in Dortmund; NFC and Multi-Band Trends Draw Attention
Ahead of the 2025 InterTabac trade fair, Vrijdag’s managing director Henk Nota highlighted how cigar bands are evolving from decorative elements into high-tech tools for branding, anti-counterfeiting, and sustainability. Trends include larger sizes, multi-band designs, eco-friendly materials, and NFC integration.
Sep.18
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Altria Brings Two Nicotine Pouch Brands—On! and FUMi to InterTabac
InterTabac 2025 Insights|Altria Brings Two Nicotine Pouch Brands—On! and FUMi to InterTabac
2Firsts’ on-site reporting at InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund, Germany, found that Altria exhibited two nicotine pouch brands: On! and FUMi.
Sep.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai