THE use of e-cigarettes and, in particular, vaping equipment and liquids is growing but traditional stores may find it difficult to compete for sales with online vendors and the growing number of specialist vaping shops, says research organisation Nielsen.
Nielsen UK’s lead analyst on liquor and tobacco Natasha Kendall told a webinar audience that while different types of ‘e-smoking’ or vaping products still had considerable demand the sales trend was to refillable tank products.
The trend was being driven by online sales and sales through specialist vaping shops which now numbered 600 or more in the UK.
C-stores may find it difficult to compete, in part because there was now a huge range of products and growing interest in flavours, including menthol and berry styles, which might reflect interest in fruit ciders and similar drinks, she said.
• More info in our latest e-cigarettes and vaping update on page 50.