Multi-site Premier and Budgens retailer Jeyaseelan Thambirajah has launched one of the convenience industry’s first ‘vape vaults,’ developed in partnership with Booker.

The 250sq ft room was launched in February at Thambirajah’s new Premier in Sheffield. It has space for 500 individual vaping products and is situated next to the store’s beer cave. A staff member is available at all times to help customers and ensure they’re of legal age when purchasing vapes.

Speaking to Better Retailing, Thambirajah said: “We have something different with the vape cave. The store is based near the University of Sheffield, so there is a lot of footfall. Due to it’s positioning, customers who go to the vape cave are likely to increase their basket by going to the beer cave after.

“The vape cave has a wide range of disposables, rechargeables and liquids, but it has been set up so we can easily switch out with compliant products once the disposables ban comes into force in June.

“When I first came up with the idea, Booker said they were willing to work with us. Its sales director Martyn Parkinson said ‘let’s give it a try’. They’re providing support with special graphics and LED lights to make it more attractive. We’re also looking at ways to help with our due diligence in age-related checks. For example, there could be a special code that customers have to scan on the door before they can enter the vault.

“We have a lot of things in the pipeline. This wouldn’t have been possible without Booker’s support.”

The 2,400sq ft site also boasts an extensive range of food to go and the Jack’s own label range. It is Thambirajah’s 20^th site, and his first based in a city centre location. Since opening, Thambirajah said demand and sales have been very positive.