Gantry firm Navarra Retail Systems has promised to meet the ‘future needs of retailers’ with its new smart vape system, which can feature as a stand-alone display or in conjunction with smart tobacco gantries. The gantry has been designed based on questions set out in the consultation that closed on 6 December.

Features include 600mm wide units, with storage for 50 products per unit depending on the product types, and various lighting options.

Stock is also stored in a dispenser and accessed via an EPOS till, which prompts for an age check and records transaction deals. All information on the products is held in the till, such as prices and product availability, which is said to be easy to manage.

With the vapes moved away from the shop floor and counter tops to behind the till, the device also prevents theft and accessibility to children.

The brand said it believes the system will “enhance vape sales, improve security and meet the requirements of the forthcoming government consultation/new regulations in removing the risk of selling vape and nicotine products to children under the age of 18”.

The gantry also  allows retailers to choose what vape brands they sell and does not restrict them to certain brands owned by their previous gantry supplier, and also ensures age verification compliance through the EPOS integration.

The company added it believes vape prices are likely to rise through the application of duty at some stage in the near future, and that in the event of a merchandise ban, dispensing systems like this will be the “most effective way to manage” the category.

“We are waiting for the government’s final response to their consultation before confirming the final specification and production details,” Navarra Retail Systems said.

“We will have a final specification as soon as the regulations are announced.”

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