Cost-of-living crisis still affecting shopper behaviour
DEMAND for value remains the key trend across the entire nicotine category as shoppers continue to feel the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis.
This is regardless of segment within nicotine as well, as Imperial Tobacco reckons every aspect of the section will need to be considered by retailers to match every shopper demand.
Tom Gully, head of consumer marketing UK & Ireland at Imperial Tobacco, said: “For some, convenience will remain a priority, with shoppers seeking out tobacco solutions that offer added value such as Regal Signature’s premium features, or the addition of papers and tips in RYO (roll-your-own) like we offer through Players JPS Easy Rolling Tobacco and Rizla Combi for accessories.
“Others will be looking for a leading brand that offers the reassurance of a brand name they know and can trust that also delivers on price.”
Imperial believes its wide range of options here should appeal to consumers, whether this be in RYO, factory-made cigarettes or vaping.
This includes the likes of its Regal Signature, Riverstone and Players JPS options, the latter of which has just launched a new cigarettes sticks option with Players Max.
Imperial said the new cigarettes are now 12% longer in size and contain a new, intense blend.
Further to this, the new Players Max sit at an RRP of £10.50 per pack, which is £1.35 less than Players’ standard Kingsize format, allowing consumers to stick to a brand that they know well and trust and save on some cash, too.
But, ultimately, it is down to the retailers and staff to help communicate this valued option to consumers looking in stores, with Gully urging store owners to ensure they are up to date with all the goings-on within nicotine.
Gully said: “We’d recommend retailers encourage their staff to keep on top of the latest industry trends, news and features in the trade media.
“This provides a great way for employees to achieve a deeper understanding into the current trends, terminology and any new product launches.
“With a significant amount of information available at their fingertips, retailers and their staff have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and expertise of the nicotine categories.”
New nicotine regulations ‘could hamper retailers’
IMPERIAL Tobacco has warned of the unintended consequences that are likely to come with new government regulations for the nicotine channel.
Discussions abound across the political spectrum over disposable vape bans and the generational smoking ban and Imperial reckons these restrictions could heighten the already troubling level of illicit trade.
Lindsay Mennel-Keating, head of corporate & legal affairs UK & Ireland for Imperial Tobacco, said: “Restrictions often lead to a rise in illicit trade and additional funding will be needed to support enforcement activities.
“If passed by parliament, the day-to-day enforcement of this proposal will fall to retailers, who will be expected to determine the age of a customer when deciding whether to sell tobacco products.”
As such, Imperial has urged retailers to speak and write to their local MPs to voice their concerns over the matter and the extra difficulties it could pose for retailers as the Government reviews the public consultation on the proposal, which closed on 6 December.
Mennel-Keating said: “A review period follows but it could be only a matter of weeks before the Government publishes the legislation.
“Imperial is responding to the consultation and encourages all retailers to write to their MP to voice their concerns.”
