Convenience store operators must take the time to observe how their competitors are marketing tobacco. In most of the presentations I have given over the past few years, I challenge my participants to take the time to understand how their business is doing, but to also make sure to check on the competition. After all, [...]
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets Inc. (NATO) has announced that all of the leading cigarette manufacturers in the country are committed to participate in NATO’s 10th Anniversary and Trade Show. Altria Sales and Distribution, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and Commonwealth Brands are all confirmed exhibitors at the show to be held April [...]
Due to popular demand, Swisher International has introduced Sealed-Fresh foil wrapping on all of the company’s Swisher Sweets Cigarillos. First introduced on Swisher Sweets Wine Cigarillos, the new Sealed-Fresh packaging proved to be a huge success among retailers and customers. Expanding on that success, the new technology is now incorporated as the standard packaging for [...]
Smoker Friendly International has signed nine new locations, working with Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) sales team. The independent stores are tobacco customers of HLA, and have decided to license with Smoker Friendly International as authorized dealers to have an exclusive private label program for each of their stores. The stores are located in northern New [...]
The FDA is considering a ban on menthol cigarettes in the U.S., a move some fear could have unintended consequences, such as a skyrocketing black market for the products. “What we’re currently facing in the U.S. is the (potential) banning of a currently legal product. We’re very concerned that would create an immediate black market [...]
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) has responded to the FDA’s proposed guidance on tobacco retail training programs. Under the FDA law, retailers are not required to train employees on how to prevent the sale of regulated tobacco products to minors. However, if tobacco products are sold to a minor, the retailer will be [...]
The New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) has reported that cigarette sales at convenience stores in New York have seen a steep decline since the $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase hit on July 1, 2010. New York State now holds the highest state cigarette tax rate in the nation at $4.35 per pack, [...]
“John Middleton has some very strong sellers in our stores, but the new merchandiser they developed with us has been an overall improvement to the [cigar] category.” John Middleton Inc. has been operating in the Philadelphia area since 1856, beginning with a retail tobacco shop. More than a hundred years later, John Middleton divested its [...]
The federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) goes into effect today, June 29, 2010. PACT Act is set to regulate the sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco sold over the Internet or by mail order to consumers. But, one provision of the PACT Act has caused some confusion, according to the [...]
On Monday night, June 21, 2010, the New York Legislature narrowly agreed to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes. The tax is now set to grow by an additional $1.60-to a national-high $4.35 a pack, the New York Daily News reported. When adding in city and federal taxes, the tax charged on one pack [...]
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products has republished a rule, which becomes effective June 22, 2010, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. As of June 22 the rule will impose certain restrictions on the sale, distribution, advertising and marketing of cigarettes, rolling tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The regulations in this rule do not [...]
A Closer Look at Who’s Trading Down According to Mintel International, 80% of smokers polled said it’s worthwhile to have a quality cigarette, which is contributing to sales of premium cigarettes. Other factors influencing sales include: • 51% of smokers have one preferred brand they always like to buy. • Less than 2% of smokers [...]
Proper Handling Quality counts—especially with tobacco, something c-store operators had better keep in mind. Kevin Paige, owner of three Butthead’s Tobacco Emporiums in Danbury, Conn., said he is trying to distance himself from the c-store channel when it comes to tobacco. “Although I operated my own c-stores for over 20 years, I don’t think the [...]
Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is warning that if the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is introduced as planned on tobacco products, tobacco prices would grow by 8%, redirecting millions of dollars in taxes to organized crime groups. As it stands now, sales of tobacco products are not subject to Ontario, Canada’s 8% Provincial Sales Tax [...]
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates, scheduled to go into effect on June 22, prohibit retailers from selling cigarettes and smokeless products in self-service displays except in age-restricted stores that ban customers younger than 18 years of age. While retailers in some states, such as New York and Idaho, have already had to comply with [...]