Some states lack vape stores, but others have too many

Some U.S. states appear under-served by vape stores while others may have too many already, according to a new analysis by ECigIntelligence.

A detailed comparison of store listings with demographic data and Internet traffic records reveals that two states – California and Texas – are among the leaders in independent e-cigarette retail on many criteria.

High levels of e-cig-related Internet traffic also appear to correlate to vape store numbers, an indicator of strong interest in vaping within certain states, according to the research – available exclusively to ECigIntelligence subscribers with a Gold or Silver-level subscription.

By contrast, the report says, “a number of states seem under-served in terms of retail outlets, which may present a business opportunity. Many of these are in the east of the U.S.” And still others are over-served, it adds.

The report also considers the structure of the vape store market in the U.S.

“Many retail outlets remain independent, and few chains comprise more than a handful of stores,” it says. “But we identify potential factors both in favour of consolidation and against it, so how the multiple e-cig retailers will develop remains an open question.

“High numbers of vape stores alone are not an indicator of a sustainable market, because the category is at the mercy of consumer demand and government action,” it continues.

“But in the meantime it seems clear that there are disparities in their distribution which imply both opportunities and challenges for the e-cigarette retail business.”

– Barnaby Page ECigIntelligence staff

Photo: Violscraper

Barnaby Page

Editorial director

Before joining ECigIntelligence in early 2014 as one of its first employees, Barnaby had a 30-year career as a reporter and editor for newspapers, magazines and online services, working in Canada, the US and the Middle East as well as his current British location. He has edited publications covering fields including technology and the advertising industry, and was launch editor of the first large daily online news service in the British regional media. Barnaby also writes on classical music and film for a number of publications. Barnaby manages the editorial and reporting teams and works closely with the analyst teams, to ensure that all content meets high standards of quality and relevance. He also writes for the site occasionally, mostly on science-related issues, and is a member of the Association of British Science Writers.