How Is the U.S. Vaping Industry Doing During the Pandemic?

According to vapingpost, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. e-cigarette industry has been uneven, partly because of differing regulations across states and partly because of how individual businesses have responded.

 

In Colorado, the e-cigarette industry is struggling because vape shops are considered non-essential businesses in the state. With two stores in the state closed, manufacturer Jvapes E-liquid had to lay off staff. However, the chain also has stores in Arizona and Oklahoma, which remain open.

 

To make up for the losses from store closures, the company is doing everything it can to boost online sales. Even so, sales have fallen by 30%. In an interview, founder Amanda Wheele said: “I believe my business will make it through this time, but I suspect many vape businesses will not recover financially from a prolonged shutdown.”

 

In South Carolina, vape shops were not initially included in the state’s list of essential businesses. However, together with thousands of car dealerships, cleaning companies, and other businesses, several vape businesses jointly won approval from the state commerce department and were allowed to remain open.

 

In Washington state, some vape shops managed to stay open by reclassifying themselves as convenience stores, which are considered essential. According to one vape shop owner: “We’ve always sold Red Bull to customers for convenience. So we put some snacks on the shelves and we’re a convenience store.”

 

Retailers and manufacturers in other states have started producing hand sanitizer and other hygiene-related products. Georgia-based VR Labs has begun selling 60ml bottles of aloe hand sanitizer and promised to donate one bottle for every two sold. Between March 27 and April 5, the company donated a total of 850 bottles.