Alternative Smoking

Vaping sales have been growing in independent c-stores for at least two consecutive years. By the end of 2017, 93% of independent c-store sold e-cigarettes, e-liquids and vaping accessories. In 2018 vaping like for like sales increased by 49% vs the prior year.

Yet, E-Cigarettes only account for 1% of Tobacco sales and 2% of all Tobacco baskets. Besides, the growth rate seems to be slowing: Y-o-Y, January 2019 sales were ‘only’ 25% higher compared to 49% growth the year before.

What can potentially steal alternative smoking sales from the vaping category in independent c-stores? While probably not a contender just yet, Heated Tobacco products outperformed E-Cigarettes in January this year: the average sales per store increased by 29% Y-o-Y and 8% vs the prior month (E-Cigarettes sales grew by 5.9% vs December).