VPZ plans to open 10 new vape shops in UK.

Aug.22.2022
VPZ plans to open 10 new vape shops in UK.
VPZ plans to open another 10 stores by year-end and urges UK government for stricter control of e-cigarette sales.

The largest electronic cigarette retailer in the UK, VPZ, has revealed plans to open 10 more stores before the end of the year. Additionally, the company is urging the British government to implement stricter controls and licenses for the sale of electronic cigarette products.


VPZ plans to expand its operations to 160 sites across England and Scotland, including London and Glasgow.


VPZ plans to open a further 10 branches (VPZ/PA) (PA Media)


British government officials are continuing to promote electronic cigarettes, with only the Department of Public Health claiming that e-cigarettes are "equivalent in risk to smoking". However, according to the Smoking and Health Action study released last month, research shows a sharp rise in underage e-cigarette usage over the past five years.


The VPZ company is set to open 10 new retail locations as part of its expansion plan.


Doug Mutter, Director of VPZ, stated, "As the UK's leading electronic cigarette experts, we are taking a leading role in combating the number one killer in America - smoking. Our plan to open 10 new stores and launch a mobile e-cigarette clinic is a 100% response to our ambitious goal of reaching out to more smokers nationwide and helping them take their first step towards quitting smoking.


However, the boss stated that the industry can be improved and called for stricter scrutiny of those selling the products. Mr. Mutter said, "Currently, we are facing challenges in the industry, as many unregulated imported disposable e-cigarette products are easily accessible from local convenience stores, supermarkets, and other regular retailers, with many buyers not being checked for age or eligibility to purchase.


We urge the British government to take action now and follow the best practices of countries like New Zealand where flavored e-cigarette products can only be sold from licensed e-cigarette shops, with consultation targeted towards adult smokers and vapers. VPZ also supports imposing hefty fines on those who violate these regulations.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for internal industry exchange and learning.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is solely for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our ability to translate, the article may not perfectly reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on its stance and views regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related matters.


5. The compilation of information is owned by the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16
Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australian One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has criticised continued tobacco excise increases, arguing that higher taxes are driving consumers toward illicit tobacco markets and benefiting organised crime groups.
Regulations
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
JT Plans ¥800 Billion Investment in Heated Tobacco Over Three Years, Betting on Ploom as Second Growth Engine
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.
Jul.23
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
Scottish Vape Display Rules Could Cost Businesses £61 Million, Affecting More Than 11,000 Retail Outlets
A Scottish government impact assessment estimates that proposed vape display and packaging rules could create up to £61 million ($82 million) in compliance costs for businesses, affecting more than 11,000 retail outlets. The estimated costs are mainly linked to inventory adjustments, retail storage changes and the resources required for businesses to understand and implement the new requirements. The measures form part of the UK’s broader efforts to tighten vape regulation, particularly around product displays, packaging and sales practices.
Aug.10
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom Volumes Rise 43.5% as Cigarettes Anchor Its Transition
JT’s Ploom heated-tobacco volumes rose 43.5% in the first half of 2026, while combustibles still represented about 97% of its tobacco volume and remained the main earnings base. In Japan, reduced-risk products now account for 48.7% of industry shipments, shifting competition from category adoption towards brand share, pricing and consumer retention. JT’s results offer a revealing case of a traditional tobacco company pursuing a prolonged, dual-track transformation.
JTI
Jul.30
China’s Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute develops end-to-end heated tobacco analysis to trace aerosol compound origins
China’s Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute develops end-to-end heated tobacco analysis to trace aerosol compound origins
The Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of China National Tobacco Corporation has filed a patent application for an end-to-end method to analyze the migration and transformation of chemical compounds in heated tobacco products. Using GC-Orbitrap/MS non-targeted analysis, the method compares tobacco substrate and aerosol samples to distinguish compounds transferred directly from the substrate from those newly formed during heating, while also calculating transfer rates. In an example involving nine heated tobacco products, the patent identified 17 newly formed thermal decomposition compounds and 38 transferred compounds.
Aug.13