First week of the ban: Wisconsin retail sales plunge 90%, inventories sealed, shelves left bare

Sep.04.2025
First week of the ban: Wisconsin retail sales plunge 90%, inventories sealed, shelves left bare
After Wisconsin’s new vape ban took effect, many vape shops across the state reported emptied displays and sharp sales declines. The law requires the state Department of Revenue to fine retailers that sell vaping devices without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization. The industry group WiscoFAST has sued the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, arguing the law improperly encroaches on federal oversight. Some business owners say sales have dropped by as much as 90% since the ban took

Key points

 

  • Regulatory measure: The state Department of Revenue must fine retailers that sell vaping devices lacking FDA authorization.
  • Industry lawsuit: WiscoFAST has filed suit against the Department of Revenue, claiming the law improperly intrudes on FDA’s regulatory authority.
  • Business impact: Retailers report sales declines of up to 90% since the law took effect on Monday, making it difficult to cover payroll and rent.
  • Current status: Many stores are watching the lawsuit and any policy changes; near-term prospects for the industry in Wisconsin remain uncertain.

 


 

2Firsts, September 4, 2025 — According to local outlet WKOW, multiple vape retailers in Wisconsin have seen reduced in-store displays and steep drops in sales since the new vape ban took effect. Under the law, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is required to fine retailers that sell vaping devices without FDA authorization.

 

First week of the ban: Wisconsin retail sales plunge 90%, inventories sealed, shelves left bare
After Wisconsin's new e-cigarette ban went into effect on September 1st, the shelves at M of N Vapors in Sun Prairie were empty. | Image source: WKOW

 

The Wisconsin trade group WiscoFAST has sued the Department of Revenue, asserting that the law unfairly intrudes on the FDA’s role in regulating vape products. Tyler Hall, president of WiscoFAST, said the case “may become a precedent for how the FDA and states jointly regulate vapes.” He noted that since the law took effect on Monday, some shops have seen sales fall by as much as 90%, making operations unsustainable.

 

Kayla Arthur, an employee at M of N Vapors in Sun Prairie, said the past few days have been “difficult” for the shop, which her father opened ten years ago. In response to the new law, the store closed on Monday and Tuesday and, before reopening on Wednesday, sealed about 80% of its inventory. She said there is still no clear answer about what will happen next.

 

For now, many stores remain in limbo, waiting to see whether WiscoFAST’s challenge to the ban brings any changes—or whether this marks the start of a major shift for Wisconsin’s vape industry.

 

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

South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Bill 221 (SB 221), which seeks to regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with a unanimous 7–0 recommendation. The bill was significantly amended, expanding from three to nine pages and shifting its focus from vapor products alone to all nicotine products.
Regulations
Feb.22
Michigan Proposes 57% Vape Tax in $800M Revenue Plan
Michigan Proposes 57% Vape Tax in $800M Revenue Plan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s FY2027 executive budget proposes a new 57% wholesale tax on vaping products and oral nicotine items as part of a broader $800 million revenue package aimed at stabilizing Medicaid funding.
Regulations
Feb.23
Nearly 35.00% of Surveyed Retailers Shifted to Online Sales After Tighter Controls in Vietnam
Nearly 35.00% of Surveyed Retailers Shifted to Online Sales After Tighter Controls in Vietnam
A study of nearly 2,500 university students in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City found that the average age of first use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products was 16.90. The findings were presented on April 9 in Hanoi. The study also found that 14.00% of students had tried e-cigarettes and 3.00% were current users, while the figures for heated tobacco were 6.00% and 0.80%. % of surveyed retail outlets moving to online sales.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Dakota Legislature Approves Two Nicotine Licensing Bills Pending Governor’s Decision
South Dakota Legislature Approves Two Nicotine Licensing Bills Pending Governor’s Decision
The South Dakota Legislature gave final approval on Tuesday to two proposals requiring state licenses for businesses that sell nicotine products. Under the bills, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of nicotine products in the state would need to be licensed by the government.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Fontem Drops Texas Lawsuit and Plans to Refile in D.C. Over FDA Handling of Zone Application
Fontem Drops Texas Lawsuit and Plans to Refile in D.C. Over FDA Handling of Zone Application
Fontem US, the maker and seller of Zone nicotine pouches, has voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which it had accused of unfairly delaying its market application.
Mar.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
California federal judge certifies direct purchaser class in Juul–Altria antitrust litigation
A California federal judge has certified a class of direct purchasers of Juul products in antitrust litigation alleging Juul and Altria conspired to have Altria exit the e-cigarette market.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai