Widespread Removal of Disposable Vapes from UK Supermarkets Drives Surge in Sales at Retail Shops

According to reports today, the widespread removal of disposable e-cigarettes from supermarkets has created a gap in the popular disposable e-cigarette products line, prompting more customers to turn to independent retailers.

Staff from Morrisons, One Stop, Tesco, and Asda contacted by Better Retailing this month confirmed that supermarkets have withdrawn certain batches of Elfbar and SKE Crystal in recent weeks due to exceeding the legal limit of 2 milliliters of e-liquid.

While some brands' stocks have begun to recover, the returns have benefited independent retailers, who report an increase in disposable e-cigarette sales during the same period.

Nishi Patel from Dartford Londis Bexley Park told Better Retailing: "Our disposable e-cigarette sales increased by £1,000 compared to the previous week."

"This is a combination of supermarkets canceling queues and the increase in tobacco tax announced in the spring budget. Customers do not want to pay more for tobacco, so they are forced to buy more affordable e-cigarette products."

Similarly, Shahid Ali from Nisa reported a 14%-17% increase in e-cigarette sales, while Kent store owner Alan Mannings noticed more customers inquiring about his disposable e-cigarette range. Both retailers attributed the price increase to recent supply issues at nearby supermarkets.

Staff from Sainsbury's and Tesco told Better Retailing that availability will return as they begin to receive compliant batches of Elfbar. Several Booker retailers also confirmed to Better Retailing that wholesalers have replenished their stocks.

Store owners added that they have increased promotions to continue benefiting from the increased sales and to differentiate themselves from supermarkets as availability returns.

Patel told Better Retailing: "We placed disposable e-cigarettes at the other end of the checkout to help attract customers' attention. We also launched some promotions, such as buy three for £12."

Another retailer added that he has created a checkout menu to display available e-cigarettes and their prices to customers.

Vince Malone from Pembrokeshire Tenby Village Stores & Post Office has changed his inventory approach in preparation for future recalls.

He said: "Every store in town has removed their disposable e-cigarettes, and it is likely that another recall will occur. I am purchasing two to three days' worth of alternatives from companies like Blu to help us cope with this situation."

Better Retailing has seen a leaked letter from BAT claiming that nearly all disposable e-cigarettes sold in convenience stores are non-compliant. The UK e-cigarette industry association has recently also called for fines of up to £10,000 for retailers found selling e-cigarettes to children under 18.

Legal Compliance

The increase in opportunities in this category matches the increased risks for stores, as trading standards conduct more checks on non-compliant inventory.

Better Retailing has learned that distributors are trying to improve the reputation of disposable e-cigarettes through regular testing.

Stores are encouraged to complete due diligence by requesting evidence from suppliers that comply with the 2 milliliters e-liquid limit.

Despite compliance measures, many retailers remain skeptical that more brands may be caught up in the canning scandal.