Retail
Shopkeeper and assistant fined for under-age vape sales…
24th March 2022 - Alerts | Europe, United Kingdom |
Regulatory report: Kyrgyzstan, March 2022
18th March 2022 - Regulatory reports |
Kyrgyzstan introduced e-cigarette regulation for the first time in 2021, equating vaping products with traditional tobacco products. These have been amended for 2022
Europe generates twice as much traffic to vape store websites as North America
15th March 2022 - Charts and infographics |
Although North America is the largest market for vapour products by value, it has half the level of Europe’s online traffic, and a fifth of the number of websites, according to the latest analysis from ECigIntelligence
Revenues and confidence rise for US vape store owners
9th March 2022 - Charts and infographics |
Confidence is on the rise amongst US vape store owners as Covid restrictions ease and the negative impact of EVALI on customer confidence appears to have significantly declined
Shops investigated for underage sales…
2nd March 2022 - Alerts | England, Europe, United Kingdom |
US vape store survey 2021 – revenues and confidence on the rise
22nd February 2022 - Market reports |
ECigIntelligence’s annual survey of US vape stores finds an increase in stores’ revenues, greater confidence among store owners and customers, and a change in the range of products offered
Regulatory report: Austria, February 2022
16th February 2022 - Regulatory reports |
Austrian legislation regulates both nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-cigarette products. This report includes the latest updates and proposals for regulation and the result of some court appeals
Regulatory report: Belarus, February 2022
8th February 2022 - Regulatory reports |
Belarus introduced e-cigarette regulation for the first time in 2019, equating vaping products with traditional tobacco products. These have been amended for 2022
How will the Covid-19 pandemic change the e-cigarette business in the long term?
19th January 2022 - Blog |
ECigIntelligence will be drawing together much of the evidence for an in-depth examination of how Covid has affected and will continue to affect the vapour business. Meanwhile, certain trends are clear
Global Trends survey details slowdown in growth of worldwide vaping market
12th January 2022 - Business briefing |
Vaping products have continued to take a share of the worldwide retail market away from smokable tobacco over the past three years, with sales of combustible cigarettes declining by 5% – but the rate of growth has slowed
Market report: global online e-cigarette traffic
3rd January 2022 - Market reports |
This report analyses traffic to online vape retailers around the world, identifying the top markets for internet sales, including from countries where such sales are officially banned
Market report: South Korea – a slight rise for e-cigs as smoking falls further
9th December 2021 - Market reports |
South Korean smoking rates have fallen in the last decade due to smokeless tobacco alternatives and rising prices. Vape sales are level but impacted by heated tobacco
The Canadian market is shaken by the recent nicotine cap
19th November 2021 - Charts and infographics |
The recent nicotine cap has shaken up the Canadian e-liquid market, with the upcoming flavour ban set to change it even more in the future
Market report: South Africa – vape sales up as new law is still awaited
18th November 2021 - Market reports |
Sales of vaping products in South Africa are up and prices have stabilised after 2020’s tobacco ban. Vaping stores are broadly optimistic. New tobacco and vaping laws proposed in 2018 are still unlikely to be implemented in 2021
Regulatory report: United Arab Emirates (UAE), October 2021
14th October 2021 - Regulatory reports |
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) legalised the use and distribution of e-cigarettes in April 2019. It regulates ingredients, labelling, taxation, advertising and retail outlets
Nearly half of German vape retailers fear being taxed out of business, survey finds
4th October 2021 - Business briefing |
The new vaping tax scheme due to come into effect in July 2022 is already causing concern within the German e-cigarette industry, with some vape stores fearing it will force them to close down
Market report: the growth of disposables – comparing US, UK, Russia and Canada
9th August 2021 - Market reports |
This report provides insights and comparisons into the disposables e-cigarette segment in Canada, Russia, UK and the US
Oregon businesses assess the likely impact of upcoming online sales ban
2nd August 2021 - Business briefing |
Oregon’s e-cigarette industry fears the impact on business after the state became the first in the US Pacific Northwest to pass a ban on certain sales of nicotine vaping products
New Zealand retailers fear government plan to cut number of tobacco outlets
27th May 2021 - Business briefing |
A proposal by the New Zealand government to limit the number of shops that can sell tobacco products is causing concern among the country’s retailers, who would need to apply for new business licences under the scheme
88Vape forecasts 35% revenue increase amid product momentum
13th May 2021 - Business briefing |
UK supplier behind low-cost e-liquid brand 88Vape expects good product performance in 2021 thanks to its recent rollout in the convenience store channel
Juul aims to double availability in UK vape stores with new distribution deal
19th April 2021 - Business briefing |
Juul Labs has reached a distribution agreement with wholesaler UK Vapour Brands (UKVB) to extend its footprint “as much as possible” across British specialist vape retailers
US customs officers seize counterfeit ‘Rick and Morty’ e-liquids worth $1.5m
12th March 2021 - Business briefing |
A shipment from the Chinese city of Shenzhen containing more than 77,000 refillable e-liquids featuring popular US sitcom Rick and Morty have been seized by customs officials at Chicago O’Hare’s International
Warning as vape stores in England are told not to reopen before mid-April
23rd February 2021 - Business briefing |
UK prime minister Boris Johnson has announced that vape stores in England should not reopen before 12th April – while the industry continues to demand that they should be considered essential businesses
Italy’s small vape businesses welcome association’s planned retail network
15th December 2020 - Business briefing |
Hundreds of vaping businesses have shown interest in a new project launched by the main Italian industry association to support and promote e-cigarette retail and create a network of vaping suppliers
Market report: market and vaping product trends in the US
9th December 2020 - Market reports |
The US vaping market has recently experienced inputs and changes which are shaping new trends and transforming a market that generally is a bellwether for the rest of the sector worldwide
Poor reporting, not COVID, was biggest threat to vape stores in 2020
30th November 2020 - Press releases |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Inaccurate reporting hurt businesses more than pandemic did, say US vape stores Survey reveals that hysteria over lung disease was the biggest factor in declining sales US vape stores have had a bad 2020, but the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t the main reason. Instead, widely publicized cases of lung disease in young people […]
US vape stores survey, 2020 – impact analysis and outlook
26th November 2020 - Market reports |
ECigIntelligence has conducted a survey of US vape stores each year since 2016; here we present the findings of our 2020 survey in detail, including an analysis of how EVALI and COVID-19 have affected business
Vape sales in Dutch supermarkets to end in 2024 in planned phase-out of tobacco
23rd November 2020 - Regulatory briefing |
From 2024, supermarkets in the Netherlands will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
Vape industry warns of 50% sales drop as second lockdown begins in England
5th November 2020 - Business briefing |
Industry insiders have called for vape stores to be classed as essential outlets as all non-essential shops in England are ordered to close for a month under the terms of the country’s second lockdown
Australian pharmacists ready to take up central role in e-cigarette distribution
13th October 2020 - Business briefing |
Pharmacists across Australia are waiting for more details after the announcement by the country’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) that they would be exclusive distributors of prescribed e-cigarettes
Chinese officials inspect and remove e-cig vending machines – but is it legal?
30th September 2020 - Regulatory briefing |
Chinese officials have inspected more than 1,000 e-cigarette vending machines in the last two months – but there is some confusion within the industry about the legality of their actions
Repeal of shake and vape ban brings relief to Greek vaping industry
29th September 2020 - Business briefing |
The Greek e-cigarette industry is largely “satisfied” with the government’s decision to repeal the law banning shake and vape products – but doubts and difficulties remain
Concerned US vape stores diversify in response to FDA’s PMTA regulation
22nd September 2020 - Business briefing |
US vape stores are diversifying into CBD and oral nicotine, while others fear being blamed by customers for reduced choice as FDA premarket tobacco product regulations cause products to disappear from the shelves
China Tobacco kicks off intensive compliance checks on e-cig sales
22nd July 2020 - Regulatory briefing |
Chinese authorities have decided to take further steps to toughen enforcement of e-cigarette regulations, increasing compliance checks in both online and offline channels
Online retail report: open systems dominate in Canada
18th June 2020 - Market reports |
This report examines the online market in Canada, looking at the effects of COVID-19 on vape products’ offer evolution since Q1 2019 on the country’s top five e-cig websites
New minty e-liquid flavours laid out to tempt former menthol smokers
17th June 2020 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
A month after the ban on menthol cigarettes came into effect in Europe, manufacturers are looking to new e-liquid lines to attract former menthol smokers looking for an alternative
Vape stores across England preparing to reopen for business next month
27th May 2020 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
The English vaping industry is preparing to reopen the roughly 3,000 vape stores across the country after a ten-week lockdown imposed by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Total traffic change to online vape retailers, February-March 2020
4th May 2020 - Market reports |
This report looks at the changes in online retail channels for e-cigarette products over the early period of the COVID-19 crisis in four major markets: France, the US, Italy and the UK
Pandemic measures place new pressures on US vaping trade
23rd April 2020 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
The sweeping response to the global COVID-19 pandemic has had an uneven impact on the US vaping sector, with some stores being forced to close while others respond in novel ways to government restrictions
UK online vaping orders rocket during lockdown; Italian sales plummet
2nd April 2020 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
An increase in online sales has been one of the most notable consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on the vaping industry across Europe, as the sector continues to battle market disruptions and shop closures
Philippines e-cig distribution channels
27th March 2020 - Charts and infographics |
The Philippines distribution channels are clearly dominated by one type of retailer. Here you can find ECigIntelligence’s analysis of this uneven split, which is further expanded in our in-depth market report for the Philippines Q1 2020.
Impact on e-cigarette sales channels varies as countries face COVID-19
20th March 2020 - Business briefing |
As European and North American authorities ramp up their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects on e-cigarette sales channels are mixed
Massachusetts court halts in-state sales of several online vaping retailers
31st January 2020 - Regulatory briefing |
Massachusetts court grants a preliminary injunction to ban several US companies from selling their vaping products to state residents
Regional distribution of the top three chains in UK
9th December 2019 - Charts and infographics |
ECigIntelligence has mapped the locations of the biggest vape store chains in the UK. The analysis has revealed that each of these chains tend to concentrate in specific regions as shown on the map.
Click here to read the full ECigIntelligence report on the top 5 vape store chains.
UK vaping brands look to fuel stations as new retail opportunities
9th December 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
Independent vaping brands in the UK are looking at the retail opportunity of opening a shop-within-a-shop at fuel stations, in a bid to increase visibility and reach more customers
German chain store growth between 2018 & 2019
14th November 2019 - Charts and infographics |
Between Q1 2018 and Q2 2019 there has been a gradual increase in the number of vape stores for the leading chains, unlike other main chain stores which have not experienced major growth. This chart comes from the Germany market report which discusses market performance in the different retail channels, provides an estimate of the current vaping population and the market forecast.
Major Korean c-store chains take flavoured e-cigs off the shelves
7th November 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
Four major convenience store chains in South Korea are to suspend sales of some flavoured e-cigarettes after the government announced it is carrying out an assessment of possible health effects
Graphic: Taobao and Tmall – top 30 online retailers, China August 2019
7th November 2019 - Charts and infographics |
This graphic comes from the ECigIntelligence August 2019 China online market report, which looks at the main outlets for e-cig sales in the country and breaks down the market in great detail.
Graphic: key online outlet sales, China August 2019
6th November 2019 - Charts and infographics |
This graphic comes from the ECigIntelligence August 2019 China online market report, which looks at the main outlets for e-cig sales in the country and breaks down the market in great detail.
Lung illness and the reaction to it are hitting US vaping retail sector hard
5th November 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
The outbreak of vape-related lung illness across the US is having a damaging effect on e-cig retail, from small vape stores hit by plummeting receipts to big store chains emptying their shelves of vapour products
ECigIntelligence US vape store survey 2019 – the main findings
5th November 2019 - Market reports |
The 2019 ECigIntelligence survey of US vape stores explores the sector’s early reactions to the bringing forward of the PMTA deadline to May 2020, and what they expect to do in response
Graphic: Brands mentioned by stores, Ontario July 2019
4th November 2019 - Charts and infographics |
This graphic comes from the ECigIntelligence July 2019 Ontario market report, which revealed that the main outlet for vape brands is chain stores – plus much more.
Top five vape store chains: UK market report
29th October 2019 - Market reports |
In this UK market report, we identify the big five vape store chains and look at where they are focused, where else they sell products and how future growth is shaping up
Ontario bans e-cig promotion in c-stores, Alberta plans tax
29th October 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
Promotion of vaping products in convenience stores and gas stations is to be banned in Ontario from 1st January, while Alberta could become the first province in Canada to tax e-cigarettes
Graphic: Italian vape stores and population by region, June 2019
14th October 2019 - Charts and infographics |
This graphic comes from the ECigIntelligence June 2019 Italy market report, in which we learned that the retail landscape in the country is dominated by independent stores.
Totally Wicked finds shelf-space on the UK high street with WHSmith
23rd August 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
Vaping products from Totally Wicked are now available from UK high street newspaper and stationery retailer WHSmith
Chain stores provide main outlet: Ontario market report
29th July 2019 - Market reports |
In this report we return to Canada to look at the differences between chain stores and independents, what they sell and how often
Vape trade and tobacconists unite in French ‘adults only’ campaign
18th July 2019 - Business briefing |
French bodies representing both vaping manufacturers and tobacconists have launched an awareness campaign to promote the message that vaping is exclusively for adults
Closed systems increase presence in Spanish retailers
12th July 2019 - Business briefing |
Although open systems still dominate the Spanish market, the recent launches of new closed system devices like Myblu and Juul are increasing the market share of these products
Hungary heading for lower tax and fewer licensed retailers
9th July 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
The Hungarian parliament is considering reducing tax on nicotine-containing e-liquids, while bringing in taxation and other restrictions on those without nicotine
‘Go under or go underground’ – PMTA threat sows gloom among small firms
4th July 2019 - Business briefing |
The suggestion that the US FDA might bring forward the deadline for the submission of premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) has caused a wave of shock among small businesses
More e-cig stores open in Germany to meet rising number of vapers
2nd July 2019 - Business briefing |
The number of vape stores in Germany continues to rise as the vaping population increases and customers move offline to shop in retail outlets, analysis by ECigIntelligence reveals
French tobacconists increasing their range of vapour products
1st July 2019 - Business briefing |
More tobacconists in France are increasing their range of vape products, as anticipated in earlier analysis by ECigIntelligence
Vype leads the way in Quebec C-stores, where closed systems dominate
27th June 2019 - Business briefing |
Vype is the dominant vaping brand in Quebec’s convenience stores, followed by Juul, according to recent research by market analysts at ECigIntelligence
Juul adds supermarket giant Asda to its growing list of UK stockists
27th June 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
Juul has widened its retail presence in the UK, with its devices now available in 357 branches of major supermarket chain Asda
From Juul to small store owners, San Franciscans greet ban with dismay
27th June 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
San Francisco businesses large and small are braced for a severe impact from the blanket ban on the sale, manufacture, and distribution of e-cigarettes within the city limits
Increase in vaping product with tobacconists: France market report
26th June 2019 - Market reports |
Around 70% of French tobacconists offer vaping products; ECigIntelligence believes the channel generates around 15-20% of all vape sales in France. The market is growing; we found out how and why
PMI moves on Bristol with four new IQOS stores opening this summer
26th June 2019 - Business briefing , Marketing & retailing |
Philip Morris International (PMI) is to expand its British heated tobacco presence with the opening of four new IQOS stores in Bristol this summer
Vype is the most popular brand in convenience stores: Quebec market report
21st June 2019 - Market reports |
Our analysis of vape stores in Quebec, Canada, revealed that independent stores sell a larger range of vaping products than chain stores. Closed systems are the dominant type of e-cigarettes and Vype was the most mentioned brand, followed by Juul and Logic
Closed system products from 15 major US online retailers
18th June 2019 - Market reports |
Our analysis of online retail of closed system e-cig products in the US covers three categories: disposables, rechargeable cigalikes and pre-filled tank/pod systems
Vaping products in US smoke stores and head shops
17th June 2019 - Market reports |
We explore how vaping products fare in smoke and head shops in the US, the penetration of vaping products in these shops, which brands were popular, and how the channel may change
Independent stores dominate: Italy market report
6th June 2019 - Market reports |
With recent changes to legislation and taxation effecting Italy’s e-cig industry, we take an in-depth look at the country’s vape stores
Texas chainstore experiment – is Juul ready to go into the retail business?
5th June 2019 - Business briefing |
Juul Labs, the most infamous emblem of the vaping industry for American regulators and control activists, is considering opening its own US stores
FDA orders 12 major store chains to stop selling tobacco products to kids
17th April 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
The US FDA has written to 12 well-known convenience store chains – including Walmart, Kroger, and Family Dollar – accusing them of selling tobacco products to minors and ordering them to stop
FDA offers vape stores guidance on what counts as ‘modification’
26th March 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
The US FDA has issued guidance to help vape shops that sell newly deemed products navigate the agency’s enforcement of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) and its specific requirements
E-cigarettes could provide a silver lining for Austrian tobacconists
25th March 2019 - Business briefing |
Austrian tobacconists, hit by falling cigarette sales, could find salvation in the growing market for e-cigarettes and other tobacco alternatives
‘FDA flavour restrictions could devastate industry’, trade body warns
15th March 2019 - Business briefing |
As much as 90% of the US e-cigarette market could be forced out of business by the FDA’s restrictions on flavours in e-liquids, according to an industry insider
Regulations fuel growth: Canada market report
15th March 2019 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the Canadian market, we find that most sales come through the offline channel. More mainstream retail outlets have started to carry e-cigarette products and e-liquids were cheaper in physical shops compared to online
Gottlieb names chains accused of flouting rules on sales to youth
5th March 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb has announced new action against retailers selling tobacco products to minors and e-cig manufacturers who fail to comply with labelling and advertising regulations
FDA seeks ‘no sale of tobacco’ orders against Walgreens and Circle K
8th February 2019 - Regulatory briefing |
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking no tobacco sale orders (NTSO) against Walgreens and Circle K for selling combustibles and cigars to minors
E-liquids driving revenues: Russia vape store survey
30th January 2019 - Market reports |
In our latest look at how vape stores are faring in Russia, we find that the bigger share of revenue is generated by e-liquids rather than hardware, and the popularity of zero nicotine and bigger bottles of e-liquids has increased since last year
Most sales come from traditional retail: Greece market report
15th January 2019 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the Greek market, we find Greek vapers prefer open system devices, the offline channel currently generates more sales and electronic cigarettes are now more widely available compared to previous years
At your UK convenience – Dinner Lady now serving in selected Spar stores
10th January 2019 - Business briefing |
E-liquids made by independent British manufacturer Vape Dinner Lady are to become available in more mainstream high-street shops across the UK with a deal to supply convenience store chain Spar
Vape stores on the increase: Germany market report
13th December 2018 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the German market, we can see that the number of vape stores has increased in all Länder. This is due to an increase in vapers and a shift from the online channel to physical stores. We can also see that the vape store distribution mirrors population distribution
E-liquids main source of revenue for vape stores: France market report
1st October 2018 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the french market, we find that sales of e-liquid generate around 60% of revenue and tobacco is the most popular flavour. The e-liquid sector is dominated by French brands
Number of new users falling:
Italy vape store survey
9th August 2018 - Market reports |
Our latest survey of Italian vape stores breaks down numbers of customers and their expenditure into new and habitual users, notes regional variations and differencesn between high and low footfall areas
UK chains set to flourish while fewer new vape stores are opened
2nd August 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
UK vape retail is consolidating, with fewer new vape stores appearing on the high street – but some companies are still investing, and the future may belong to big chains
Supermarket giant adds another link to its vape chain – and it’s a Doozy
3rd July 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
Asda is to stock products from independent company Doozy Vape, which means one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains now carries 16 different vaping ranges across various stores
Sales of e-cigarettes and IQOS through tobacconists in France
27th June 2018 - Market reports |
ECigIntelligence looks at the current offering of vapour products and IQOS in French tobacconists. We conducted telephone interviews with 331 tobacco shops in 12 French regions to get a clear picture of e-cig sales through this channel
2018 US regional vape store survey – key findings
20th June 2018 - Market reports |
ECigIntelligence carried out an online survey of nearly 300 individual US vape stores in April 2018 to identify key regional variations between stores. Here you can see the survey results
UK distribution: the complex journey from factory to vape store shelf
4th June 2018 - Market reports |
This report examines the UK’s complicated and fragmented distribution channels for e-cigarette products. Vape stores purchase stock from a range of suppliers and our report looks at their main considerations
Nicotine-free, but Japanese vape stores bring in the enthusiasts
24th May 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
Vape shops are springing up across Japan, attracting a mix of those wanting to quit smoking and gadget-loving hobbyists, despite a ban on nicotine e-liquid and the most developed heat-not-burn (HnB) sector in the world
Online sales dominate in China as vaping as a lifestyle choice wanes
30th April 2018 - Market reports |
As the vaping lifestyle trend expires, the Chinese vaping industry struggles to become an option for smokers in a country where smoking is culturally ingrained. Meanwhile, vape stores close and the big online marketplaces dominate
Vape stores booming as chains spread across the UK
19th March 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
With almost half of all e-cigarette sales in the UK coming from high street vape stores, it’s clear that the country has one of the most well-developed over-the-counter markets in the world
UK market report: mainstream retail dominated by tobacco firms
27th February 2018 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the UK market we see that the distribution share of mainstream retail has remained stable. The channel is dominated by tobacco companies and it is difficult for small companies to access the channel
French tobacconists turn to e-cigs as combustible sales plummet
22nd February 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
French tobacconists are looking to e-cigarettes to save businesses suffering from a contracting market in traditional tobacco
New Zealand supermarket group trialling ‘beginner range’ of e-cigs
7th February 2018 - Marketing & retailing |
In a move welcomed by both public health officials and vape stores, New Zealand’s second-largest supermarket group has begun trialling the sale of non-nicotine e-cigarettes in a bid to make up for falling tobacco sales
Almost 20% rise in vape stores: UK market report
30th January 2018 - Market reports |
In our latest look at the UK market, we find that there are now about 2,000 vape shops. The northwest of England has the highest number of stores and 70% of all stores belong to a chain
Germany’s top five online retailers – high rate of UK and US brands
30th January 2018 - Market reports , Marketing & retailing |
Our latest analysis of the online product range and pricing of the top five German websites a high prevalence of brands from the US and UK
Facing a taxing future: Russia vape store survey
22nd January 2018 - Market reports |
Our latest survey of vape stores in Russia looks at the revenue shares attributed to the best-selling e-cigarette hardware and e-liquids, and sounds out store managers on how optimistic they are in the shadow of rising taxes
The UK’s top five e-cig websites
8th January 2018 - Market reports |
ECigIntelligence looked at the price policy and product range for e-liquids and hardware on the UK’s top five visited websites selling e-cigarettes. Multipacks of 10 ml bottles and short-fill e-liquids are a new characteristic of the British e-liquid market and shake and vape is approximately 36% cheaper than ready-to-use e-liquid overall.
France online price tracking: products and prices on the top five websites
2nd January 2018 - Market reports |
Our latest report on the top five e-cigarette retail websites in France considers pricing and product ranges on Lepetitvapoteur.com, Taklope.com, Aromes-et-liquides.fr, E-liquide-fr.com and Kumulusvape.fr