UK Vaping Industry Adapts to Online Sales and Courier Delivery
Research published in 2019 showed that vape shops play a key role in helping smokers switch to safer alternatives. The study, titled 'I felt welcomed in there like a little family, like I’d joined a team or something': e-cigarette users’ experiences of va
Research in 2019 indicated that vape shops play a crucial role in supporting smokers transitioning to safer alternatives. Titled "'I feel like they welcomed me into a little family there, like I joined a team or something': Vape Shop Customers' Experiences with E-Cigarettes, Vape Shops, and the Vaping Community," the study found that vapers view e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
Retailers have increased warehouse space, expanded customer service teams, and established online and phone consultation channels for e-cigarette users and smokers. Additionally, study participants clearly indicated that vape shops are vital to their quitting experience, as they provide access to a wide variety of high-quality products and reliable product information and advice.
Unfortunately, despite such reports, vape shops have been deemed "non-essential" and forced to close due to the current COVID-19 lockdown. As a result, many small independent vape businesses have been worried about their survival, while customers are concerned about their access to smoking cessation assistance.
In response, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) issued a press release reminding e-cigarette users nationwide that despite the lockdown, they can still obtain their devices through online retailers and delivery services.
Similarly, the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), the only trade association focused on the independent vape industry in the UK, has provided its members with some advice and useful links on its website to help them transition to a different business model.
The UK vape business has undergone a transformation.
IBVTA has provided some advice and useful links on its website to assist in transitioning to other business models. Accordingly, most professional online vape shops, hybrid retailers, and physical stores have reorganized their retail operations to offer home delivery services. Retailers have increased warehouse space, expanded customer service teams, and established online and phone consultation channels for e-cigarette users and smokers.
Naturally, the demand for online retailers has surged. One retailer, Vape Club, reported a business growth of 150-200%. "Typically, when we encounter a larger order volume than usual (like during Christmas), we increase staffing to cope. However, due to this situation, that was not possible; instead, we extended shift hours and added shifts on weekends," said Managing Director Dan Marchant.
"We also implemented innovative social distancing measures so that everyone can work quickly and efficiently within the restrictive environment we currently operate in. For example, we introduced a one-way system in the warehouse so that staff picking orders do not cross paths. We also provide a wealth of advice and information via phone, email, live chat, and online profiles. Some of our YouTube tutorials have been viewed over 2 million times."
Check the IBVTA website for the latest updates in the UK.
Meanwhile, IBVTA assures the public that it will do its utmost to stay in touch with local authorities and relay the latest relevant information to its members. "IBVTA is working late into the night and early in the morning to ensure the government understands whether vape shops can reopen. Once we receive clarification, we will issue further advice."
"We fully recognize that this is a very difficult time, and due to the high volume of calls we are receiving today, we appreciate your patience as we strive to obtain the best answers to best support independent vape businesses, their employees, and most importantly, their customers."
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