The vaping category has expanded significantly as more consumers seek out alternative nicotine solutions. One of the leading trends is the sizeable shift towards disposables, which have gained immense popularity thanks to their simple, easy-to-use design. 

The government recently announced proposals to ban disposable vapes across the UK. While the announcement may have understandably brought concern for many retailers, it’s important to note that if the ban comes into force this might not be for a while yet, which means it’s business as usual for now.

There is still an opportunity to capitalise on the strong demand for disposables and Imperial’s Ignite programme is well placed to help retailers maximise their potential profits through the platform’s advice and promotions. To find out more, Imperial Tobacco has enlisted the support of its new Ignite Retailer Panel, which includes retailers from across the UK, to share their views on the latest trends and how to best cater for this demand.

Yawer Rasool, Consumer Marketing Director, Imperial Brands: “Deciding what to stock can be a daunting task when there are so many different solutions to choose from. Offering a range of different devices and flavours that’s tailored to your customer base is essential, but it’s also important to allow room to trial new product innovations such as our new Blu Bar 1000 disposable device. The Blu Bar 1000 range offers up to 1,000 puffs[ii] per device and benefits from various new features, including Blu Flavour Tech mesh heater technology that delivers more intense flavours as well as a removable battery. To find out more about the new range, visit the Ignite platform or check out our new blu bar Knowledge Hub at blubarhub.co.uk.”

Chris Cobb, Keystore Express, Aberdeen “I think we’ve very much captured the market locally in terms of flavours. I’m very much on top of it when it comes to making sure we’ve got the full range at all times. I think that’s why we’re getting customers, not just locally, but other people coming in too because we’re seen to have such a great range. “That’s how we can beat the multiples, because we can react and order in different products, whereas they can only take in what they are told to by their head office. That’s why I think we’ve been so successful with vaping.”

Gary Luney, Vivo Essentials, Newtownards: “We’ve definitely seen a shift from cigarettes to vaping and many people are using them as an alternative to smoking. Vaping is a lot more convenient, just stick a vape in your pocket and you’re good to go. It’s all gone disposable thanks to the convenience they offer. I have customers coming in asking us to buy them a box in at a time. Disposables offer a great margin so it’s excellent for me as a business owner. If any retailer isn’t seeing the right results for vape sales in their store, I’d recommend changing the brand they’re selling and increasing their range.”

Prerna Puri, Silver Stores, West Drayton: “Because vapes are visible to the consumer, and there are different flavour options available in the segment, it’s important to make sure your range is visible so consumers can not only see what’s on offer, but that they are attracted to your store. A bigger range means more investment, but in the long run it will pay for itself as it gives you the potential to have repeat custom time and time again, and that in turn drives loyalty. Pricing is important when it comes to vapes. Given the cost-of-living crisis, customers are looking for alternative options to cigarettes and tobacco.”

Raj Tatlah, Spar, Aberdare “Shop owners need to be careful about making sure they’re checking their vape products to ensure they’re compliant. Many illicit tobacco sellers have the lingo down to a tee and you need to ensure you don’t fall for the trap. “Also having a visible display is really important to driving vape sales. Our main gantry from Imperial was installed out of hours with all the stock in drawers with security, allowing us to use the visible space better. We now use the old gantry space for vapes that we’re looking to promote and it’s great for attracting the attention of shoppers.”

Visit imperial-ignite.co.uk or speak to your Imperial rep now to find out more about how Ignite can benefit your store 

[i] ITUK estimates November 2023

[ii] Puff count is a maximum estimate based on typical user consumption. Actual number of puffs may vary depending on usage.