Two cultures

[jseah]

In my area, there are two B&M's that sell vaping supplies. I visited both yesterday and was struck by the contrast between the two.

1. Typical smoke shop which also carried cigars, cigarettes, lottery tickets, hookahs, etc. The store has vaping supplies that take up about 1/3 of the store. They have a pretty wide selection of name brand products (iStick, Kanger and Atlantis tanks) and some lesser known brands and knockoffs spanning the spectrum from cig-alikes to eGo style and box mods. They do offer a tasting tray of several different flavors where you can try out juice before you buy. People there are not necessarily all that knowledgeable about the stuff they sell. The store is owned by an Indian couple (Asia Indian, not American Indian) and when they are not working there, they have other employees.

2. Vape shop that caters to vaping only. The store is about one quarter of the size of the first. What struck me as I walked in was the entire store was filled with clouds of vapor, like someone turned on a fog machine and forgot to turn it off. There was a number of customers in the store, typical 20-something hipster/punk types, and it looks like they pretty much hang out there all day. I don't think anyone there, customers and employees included, with the exception of me, was over 30. The decor of the store is similar to a bar, with a couch and a couple of bar-height tables. The tables had a menu of the different juices and a sign advertised a "tasting" every Friday evening. They had a much smaller selection of equipment, concentrating mostly on mods (they didn't carry iStick or Kanger, but did carry Atlantis tanks). I do get the feeling that they would be pretty knowledgeable, as one of the employees was at one of the tables with an open toolbox and it appeared that he was building coils.

 

[3mg Meniere]

#1 is a safer business model, and a stronger public service. A larger urban area could support #2, but what happens if the legal issues turn sour? Most people start vaping on impulse, and a wider variety than what is available in a convenience store is more likely to succeed for them. Then, if they want to, they can go on to #2, or come here and find out how to save money.

 

[Rizzyking]

There are two emerging groups it seems to me those vapers who vape to stay off cigarettes and only use what they need to to do that and cloud chasers who take things a lot further and see it differently. I'm split at the minute as fundamentally I don't oppose either but at this point in time with vaping not legislatively secure I wish the cloud chasers would be more discrete and limit their pursuit to appropriate times and places as like it or not large vapour clouds seem to be a red rag to a bull. Vaping has such fantastic potential to help millions of people to have a real alternative to smoking that we need to do everything we can to ensure it remains a viable option and don't annoy too many people turning them against vaping. I know some will be annoyed by that and no doubt the usual "hiding it doesn't help" but sadly blowing large clouds is not helping us it does draw negative attention and does seem to annoy non vapers so till we get things legally sorted we have got to vape smarter not larger.

My favourite B&M is near the hospital I go to a lot in Nottingham (home of robin hood for our american friends ) it has a section to have a coffee and chill out with excellent ventilation so there is never too much vapour, the staff are all vapers covering the whole spectrum and help and advice is always freely given and I have seen them refuse to sell high end kit to new vapers which made me really respect them. The only other B&M I have been too was the utter cliché of B&M's vape filled, ignorant staff only interested in blowing huge clouds with a couple of friends and selling total garbage for inflated prices to anyone regardless of whether they had the knowledge to vape it safely.

 

[Rule62]

In my area, there are two B&M's that sell vaping supplies. I visited both yesterday and was struck by the contrast between the two.

1. Typical smoke shop which also carried cigars, cigarettes, lottery tickets, hookahs, etc. The store has vaping supplies that take up about 1/3 of the store. They have a pretty wide selection of name brand products (iStick, Kanger and Atlantis tanks) and some lesser known brands and knockoffs spanning the spectrum from cig-alikes to eGo style and box mods. They do offer a tasting tray of several different flavors where you can try out juice before you buy. People there are not necessarily all that knowledgeable about the stuff they sell. The store is owned by an Indian couple (Asia Indian, not American Indian) and when they are not working there, they have other employees.

2. Vape shop that caters to vaping only. The store is about one quarter of the size of the first. What struck me as I walked in was the entire store was filled with clouds of vapor, like someone turned on a fog machine and forgot to turn it off. There was a number of customers in the store, typical 20-something hipster/punk types, and it looks like they pretty much hang out there all day. I don't think anyone there, customers and employees included, with the exception of me, was over 30. The decor of the store is similar to a bar, with a couch and a couple of bar-height tables. The tables had a menu of the different juices and a sign advertised a "tasting" every Friday evening. They had a much smaller selection of equipment, concentrating mostly on mods (they didn't carry iStick or Kanger, but did carry Atlantis tanks). I do get the feeling that they would be pretty knowledgeable, as one of the employees was at one of the tables with an open toolbox and it appeared that he was building coils.

If I were to bet, my money would be on #1 as the more sustainable business model.


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[K_Tech]

My situation is almost the same as yours, except my #1 is a convenience store that has dedicated about half their space to vaping and alternative combustibles. My #2 is a storefront about the size of a walk-in closet that reeks of disappointment, lol.

 

[PaulBHC]

Even with all the billions reported to be spent on vaping, I don't think a vape only store will survive until the regulations hit and remove the competition from smaller operations. As long as gas stations and Walmart have basic stuff, I don't see enough volume to keep a boutique open.

 

[ignotus]

I do get the feeling that they would be pretty knowledgeable, as one of the employees was at one of the tables with an open toolbox and it appeared that he was building coils.

So easy even a caveman could do it.

 

[Steelgirl]

#1 is how I got my start a year and a half ago. Went in to buy 2 cartons of cigs. Walked out with one carton and a decent starter kit and some juice. Never did smoke that carton. Opened a pack and smoked a few, but sold 9 pks and tossed the open pack. As long as the tobacco store employees are fairly educated in vaping, it may be a better fit for some people. It was for me

 

[BackDoc]

I think your right on the money RIZZ

 

[Mailablemage]

In my area, there are two B&M's that sell vaping supplies. I visited both yesterday and was struck by the contrast between the two.

1. Typical smoke shop which also carried cigars, cigarettes, lottery tickets, hookahs, etc. The store has vaping supplies that take up about 1/3 of the store. They have a pretty wide selection of name brand products (iStick, Kanger and Atlantis tanks) and some lesser known brands and knockoffs spanning the spectrum from cig-alikes to eGo style and box mods. They do offer a tasting tray of several different flavors where you can try out juice before you buy. People there are not necessarily all that knowledgeable about the stuff they sell. The store is owned by an Indian couple (Asia Indian, not American Indian) and when they are not working there, they have other employees.

2. Vape shop that caters to vaping only. The store is about one quarter of the size of the first. What struck me as I walked in was the entire store was filled with clouds of vapor, like someone turned on a fog machine and forgot to turn it off. There was a number of customers in the store, typical 20-something hipster/punk types, and it looks like they pretty much hang out there all day. I don't think anyone there, customers and employees included, with the exception of me, was over 30. The decor of the store is similar to a bar, with a couch and a couple of bar-height tables. The tables had a menu of the different juices and a sign advertised a "tasting" every Friday evening. They had a much smaller selection of equipment, concentrating mostly on mods (they didn't carry iStick or Kanger, but did carry Atlantis tanks). I do get the feeling that they would be pretty knowledgeable, as one of the employees was at one of the tables with an open toolbox and it appeared that he was building coils.

As a 20 something year old I find this post to be oddly insulting. I'm sorry that each generation has their own style? I'm sorry I don't dress in a polo shirt and slacks as casual wear?

 

[Rule62]

I have a friend who owns a B&M shop in my area. It started out as a 'roll your own' cigarette shop. But a few years ago, when the laws were changed, she continued to sell cigarettes and cigars. At the time, she also ventured into the vaping business, first with cig alikes, egos, and such. As time has gone on, the vaping business has expanded, and the tobacco business declined. During this time, many current vapers/customers started out with the intention of coming in to buy a pack or carton of cigarettes, and leaving with vape gear. Today, it is a fairly well equipped vape shop; but tobacco still accounts for about 15% of her business. Her goal is, when the tobacco business becomes less than 10%, she will eliminate all tobacco sales, and be 100% vaping supplies.


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[NCCTC]

As a 20 something year old I find this post to be oddly insulting. I'm sorry that each generation has their own style? I'm sorry I don't dress in a polo shirt and slacks as casual wear?

As a 46 year old, heavily tattooed, Father of two, with a professional career ... I hear what you are saying. I think some people in the
vape community are taken aback by the rise of a newer culture around vaping. Meaning that when most of us smoked, there wasn't
a "style" associated with it, other than smoking itself. The only "style" was having a nice Zippo. There were two classes of smoker;
those that smoked (anything), and those that did not.

It's always a bit odd when a culture rises from, well, anything. To me, this is still the same community, regardless of what separates,
or classifies us, as vapers. It's going to take time, and a lot of it, for vaping to (hopefully) replace smoking. I used to think, "why
would anyone vape if they weren't quitting smoking?". Now I think, "If your interested in smoking, start vaping".

We all eventually age, and cannot hold someone's birth year aginst them. As for an associated "style", I'm in dress
shirts and pants while working with clients all week; crusty shorts and death metal shirts when I'm off. Guess what I
am saying is even if I don't have anything in common (stylistically) with 20-somethings, we all vape.
Community is a good thing; and all are welcome.

 

[Oberon75]

Even with all the billions reported to be spent on vaping, I don't think a vape only store will survive until the regulations hit and remove the competition from smaller operations. As long as gas stations and Walmart have basic stuff, I don't see enough volume to keep a boutique open.

In my area, it's quite different. After joining a local vaping group on Facebook, I'm learning there is a whole network of vape only shops in my area. They carry a lot of things the tobacco stores will not.

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[The Dog Guy]

It's funny, I know EXACTLY which 2 stores are being discussed here. Let me give you a break down.
Both stores are nice, and both stores have nice people in them! The larger of the 2 sells the Kanger sub for $60 and the other sells it for $40. The larger sells the Aero v1 for 40 and the other sells the Aero v3 for 30. The larger sells mods (Hana clones, spinners, and a few others) based on margin. The smaller sells Innokin, IPV's, Isticks, Sig's, SX mini's, other vv/vw and mech mods based on what people are wanting and asking for. Both sell juices, but the smaller has a better selection, use better tanks for testing, help to teach rebuilds, are glad to build coils FOR YOU. They all actually VAPE...
Now, which would you prefer to spend your money at? I'm almost 50yrs old, and I spend money at the smaller of the 2! I can buy a nautilus for 30 if I choose (I'd rather buy it for 18 from a registered vendor here though), I buy juices and coils there too! When I buy an RDA I'll go there too because they can help me with it!
THEY LIKE US OLD GUYS TOO!!

 

[The Dog Guy]

There is also a 3rd shop...They sell MVP 2.0's for $85...no, I don;t go there for anything!!

 

[Rucerius]

Even with all the billions reported to be spent on vaping, I don't think a vape only store will survive until the regulations hit and remove the competition from smaller operations. As long as gas stations and Walmart have basic stuff, I don't see enough volume to keep a boutique open.

That depends on location. In a small town or smaller city a vape "boutique" will almost certainly fail, in a larger metropolitan area they can thrive. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 12 such locations within 30 miles of where I'm sitting. Most deal only with vaping gear and do very good business.

 

[jseah]

As a 20 something year old I find this post to be oddly insulting. I'm sorry that each generation has their own style? I'm sorry I don't dress in a polo shirt and slacks as casual wear?

Referring to the customers that I saw was not meant as an insult to that particular style. It was meant as a cultural reference to convey/describe their clientele. If I called them a bunch of 20-something metrosexuals, that would have conveyed a different image. And a different one altogether if I referred to them as Carhartt and camo wearing, or metalhead bikers, or if they wore their pants hanging halfway down their .....

 

[jseah]

It's funny, I know EXACTLY which 2 stores are being discussed here. Let me give you a break down.
Both stores are nice, and both stores have nice people in them! The larger of the 2 sells the Kanger sub for $60 and the other sells it for $40. The larger sells the Aero v1 for 40 and the other sells the Aero v3 for 30. The larger sells mods (Hana clones, spinners, and a few others) based on margin. The smaller sells Innokin, IPV's, Isticks, Sig's, SX mini's, other vv/vw and mech mods based on what people are wanting and asking for. Both sell juices, but the smaller has a better selection, use better tanks for testing, help to teach rebuilds, are glad to build coils FOR YOU. They all actually VAPE...
Now, which would you prefer to spend your money at? I'm almost 50yrs old, and I spend money at the smaller of the 2! I can buy a nautilus for 30 if I choose (I'd rather buy it for 18 from a registered vendor here though), I buy juices and coils there too! When I buy an RDA I'll go there too because they can help me with it!
THEY LIKE US OLD GUYS TOO!!

That's funny. I guess I didn't stay in the smaller store long enough. I spent just a few minutes in there looking at the stuff in the display cases and except for seeing an Aspire box, I didn't recognize any of the stuff in there. Granted I am just learning about all the different vaping stuff anyways.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

The first will survive. Vaping regulations will harm their success. Actually, I think the first will garner more interest in vaping.

 

[The Dog Guy]

That's funny. I guess I didn't stay in the smaller store long enough. I spent just a few minutes in there looking at the stuff in the display cases and except for seeing an Aspire box, I didn't recognize any of the stuff in there. Granted I am just learning about all the different vaping stuff anyways.

Jsea, Go back in (to 845)!! I thought the same when I walked in the first time. the second time there was a guy there who took the time to lead me into the juices, the third I started talking to the girl (she knows her stuff) about mods, tanks, RBA's, clearo's, etc..
The people at SH are really nice too, but...
They sell their stuff for almost double online prices, their selection of mods is limited. Their experience with them is equally limited. I think his lounge may end up being a really good thing! I also think his partner across the river maybe knows more and is more into vaping itself.
I don't know if you should go the 845's vape night, but be adventurous, maybe you will learn something too! Some of the "kids" are just that, KIDS. For them its a fad (the 20 something metrosexual, pants around their as ses description does kind of fit...lol). Some of the other people are cool people though and mostly helpful! As an example, I gave them a suggestion about the istick 50 vs. 30...guess what they ordered? They also got the VS DNA, and waiting on the SX mini and they have spinners and entry level mods and tanks too! They never pushed me even though they cater to drippers probably more than us old noobs

Stay away from the place on North St though...