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

Sep.04
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

Sven Löhr Appointed as New Managing Director of British American Tobacco Austria GmbH, Plans to Lead Company's Smoke-Free Strategy to Reduce Smoking Rates in Austria to 5% by 2040
Sven Löhr Appointed as New Managing Director of British American Tobacco Austria GmbH, Plans to Lead Company's Smoke-Free Strategy to Reduce Smoking Rates in Austria to 5% by 2040
Sven Löhr appointed as new Managing Director of British American Tobacco Austria, focusing on smoke-free future and market leadership.
Sep.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | SMOORE FEELM Focuses on Promoting Clear Tank  Series Solutions, Featuring High Power, High Puff Count, and Coolness Adjustment
Product | SMOORE FEELM Focuses on Promoting Clear Tank Series Solutions, Featuring High Power, High Puff Count, and Coolness Adjustment
FEELM brand has launched the 'LUCENT FUTURE' series of t Clear Tank e-cigarette solutions on Instagram. These solutions, showcased at the CHAMPS TRADE SHOWS in the U.S., feature t Clear Tank designs, with the AURA and DUO models emphasizing high puff count and powerful performance.
Aug.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian authorities seize $30,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes in Melbourne crackdown
Australian authorities seize $30,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes in Melbourne crackdown
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), in cooperation with Victoria Police, seized illegal e-cigarettes worth approximately AUD 40,000 (about USD 30,000), along with illegal tobacco and cash, from a retail store in a prime location of Melbourne’s central business district. The store is suspected of violating relevant laws. Australia imposes strict penalties for illegal e-cigarettes, and since July 1, 2024, e-cigarettes may only be sold through pharmacies, with all advertising considered ill
Aug.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International has leased a 14,000-square-meter warehouse in Colorado, USA, located just a few kilometers away from the ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing plant
Philip Morris International has leased a 14,000-square-meter warehouse in Colorado, USA, located just a few kilometers away from the ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing plant
Philip Morris International (PMI) leases 150,000 square feet warehouse near Denver International Airport to support ZYN expansion.
Aug.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Intensifies Tobacco Crime Crackdown, Strengthens Cross-Border Cooperation
China Intensifies Tobacco Crime Crackdown, Strengthens Cross-Border Cooperation
In the first half of 2025, China intensified efforts to combat tobacco-related offenses. According to official media under the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA), authorities handled 186,000 administrative tobacco cases nationwide, marking a 35.9% year-on-year increase. Among them, 10,710 were major cases involving over 50,000 yuan in value—a 160.3% surge from the same period last year.
Aug.19
Research Brief | Nicotine pouch use among Canadian adolescents has drawn close to cigarettes
Research Brief | Nicotine pouch use among Canadian adolescents has drawn close to cigarettes
Study results show that nicotine pouches are the third most commonly used nicotine product among adolescents. Current use stands at 2.6%, close to cigarettes (3.0%). Risk of use is higher among cisgender boys, gender-diverse youth, students with poor academic performance, and those with part-time jobs; more than 70% of nicotine-pouch users also vape.
Sep.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai