MORE than half of all convenience stores are missing out on tobacco sales because they aren’t giving consumers the guidance they need, the Scandinavian Tobacco Group has claimed.
At the launch of its new ‘Lock, Stock and Sell’ campaign, the firm revealed 51% of c-store retailers aren’t giving guidance.
A survey of 1,000 consumers found that while 46% of retailers offer customers advice on what products to purchase, less than 2% of these shoppers feel that their recommendation would ultimately influence their tobacco purchasing decision. STG – whose portfolio of cigar brands includes Henri Wintermans, Hamlet and Moments – reckons this signals an opportunity for c-store retailers and the firm has launched its Lock, Stock and Sell campaign with the hopes of educating retailers on opportunities and trends in the cigar category.
As part of the campaign, STG UK is offering retailers advice and tools to help make the most of their cigar range.
Jens Christiansen, head of marketing and public affairs at STG UK commented: “Since the arrival of the display ban and standardised packaging, shoppers are increasingly looking to retailers for advice on what to buy, especially if their favourite brand is out of stock.”
