I dont want this forum to focus particularly on the doom and gloom. The media is already full of this. But Smoking Culture has taken on a new twist in at least 1,000 years of use. Because of the shutter blinds in the eyes of a few people we elected in Europe, it means the packs we buy are now under wraps. Tobacco is a hugely important category for convenience stores. It accounts for a considerable proportion of sales, and of total cash takings, in very many outlets. Although the effect of this cover up wont be felt for a few years yet, it wont help the falling trend of pipe and cigar smoking across the globe. It wont stop supermarkets selling cigs, or butts appearing on the sidewalk.
I feel this measure will increase brand loyalty, as the variety of choice will only be available for a glimpse as the attendant rolls back the shutter. At the same time as the service becomes exclusive, there is nothing to stop a customer asking to be shown 'the whole range', and then the display opens up like a palace of colours and brands to the young and innocent. It reminds me of the 1930's when prohibition forced bar rooms into closets and hidden chambers. But unlike drinking, smoking too much doesnt make you stand up and fight the revolution single handedly in a drunken rage.
Just to note, will notice the blonde lady in the second photo above is perhaps an ideal cigarette girl; long blonde hair with a leopard pattern top. I think at least not all sales assistants need to be boring. She is also holding my brand. (edit: although I buy 100's, I dont like those 84mm stubbies).
Post by pro on Feb 22, 2015 22:04:22 GMT
we have a chain here CVS that stopped selling cigs outright....
Post by brianmandude on Feb 23, 2015 22:31:11 GMT
Since when has a big corporation really cared about people? My guess is their sales were flat or declining so they turned it into a marketing/public relations advantage.
Post by Dan on Feb 24, 2015 12:44:12 GMT
Of course Big Tobacco puts sales before people, and politicians but policies before people, so its a lose-lose situation. Young smokers can no longer browse the range and try different brands until they find their favourite, and smoking has lost the 'candy behind the trading counter' appeal. They could at least have cigarette girls with the brands on their tops like they used to do with Formula One, and advertise that way - as the 'law' doesn't say anything about the sellers clothing.
Post by Dan on Mar 6, 2015 16:30:26 GMT
Again, not to bog down this particular thread. But its now quite obvious that tobacco venders have been frightened out of their minds with threats of fines and damage of they should break any rules. I asked about a number of products at my local kiosk, but they refused to open the bay doors unless I knew what I wanted. I requested another two products; they went to the doors, slightly opened them a crack, and took out the package, registered the sale and then went back for the second brand, again opening the doors a crack, and treating the whole thing like a criminal offence. I was asking about St. Moritz and a few fancy labels, but no.
All I got from the encounter was a pack of Chesterfields, a pack of Berkeley, and a sad feeling all over.
Post by brianmandude on Mar 7, 2015 3:17:57 GMT
Here in the states a major convenience store chain stopped carrying 120's and lesser popular brands. Liquor stores followed and now pretty much the only place to get Misty, More, Saratoga and VS 120's is a tobacco shop.
Post by Heike on Jun 13, 2018 19:21:38 GMT
Even though I buy my cigarettes at a smoke shop, I quit doing business with CVS for this very reason, out of principle.