B&M Closings..Why?

Being in the foodservice distribution business for years, I saw how often more than not mom and pop businesses fail... I don’t remember what the statistics were at the time, but it was staggering how many failed in the first couple of years.

A cigar shop proprietor once told me about the taxes and regulations he faced, it was pretty sobering. A tobacco shop now has to have a lot going for it. We have a lot of good ones around my home, Fox’s cigar lounges, and Big Sticks serve alcohol... Fox’s has a full bar and great restaurants in the same parking lot (Gilbert), and a fairly affluent customer pool to support it.
Both entities have almost weekly cigar events with whiskey and scotch pairings along with reps from the cigar company on hand, swag bags and bulk discounts. They are active on social media, and have great staff members that cater to and respect the customers.


Ye Old pipe shop in Phoenix... it is nice to have a pipe centric shop, but they have none of the above going on, outdated air handling systems, and an old building that leaves a lot to be desired. On a few occasions, I witnessed some jerk customers that hang out there and make it an unpleasant experience. I am told that the son now runs it, but they definitely could benefit from having a better venue and start dealing with the issues outlined. They have no social media presence other than an occasional email.... It wouldn’t surprise me to see it gone eventually.

I always thought a tobacconist - fly shop would be a good combination.

Our local tobacconist has a "Squires Club" smoking lounge that keeps people coming it and buying cigars, etc. The membership starts at $200 a year and it is a very popular hangout. It has really made a difference with the success of the business.

For every mom and pop shop that closes a great one stop shop/lounge/private club opens. Even my little shop has added a lounge but most of the time I still just hang out on the shop side.

I have a bit of a different tale to tell. I've been going to the same B&M wince I moved here 26 years ago. When the owner decided to sell and retire the regulars were nervous about the future. It was not only a shop but our home. Actually, I considered buying it just to keep it going. Finding someone to run it was a huge issue.
The shop sold to a customer who only bought one cigar every day. He wanted the shop for his wife to run.
Well, the day was saved but for how long? The lady took over the business and worked her butt off learning the trade and the different cigar brands. She transformed the shop and made a small lounge with comfortable chairs. For the pipe side of tings she asked for my help and other pipe guys to advise her on what to bring in.
Tonight I attended their 3rd anniversary party and she and her husband opened another shop in the area that is also doing well.
I'm sure this is a rare story but it shows me that if new owners get fully engaged in their business, take care of their customers and listen to them they can succeed.
I like to spend my money in the community. Sure I pay a bit of a premium for the privilege pf having a local B&M but it's worth it to me. It's a win-win for everyone and way more fun than just clicking things online'

John,

please tell them to take a trip down here to Pinehurst.  We are in desperate need of a nice Pipe shop / lounge.

The owner of a cigar shop told the story about when he opened a shop in another near by town. The mayor, city attorney and chief of police were all cigar smokers and they came to cut the ribbon. The mayor then started to open a bottle that he brought to celebrate. Then the owner told him that he could not do this, since the shop did not have a BYOB license yet. The mayor asked the attorney if this was correct and was told yes. Then the mayor asked if all three officials signed a paper for a temporary license, would it be legal? Once the attorney and chief agreed this would work, a paper was signed and the mayor opened his bottle. The official license was approved the next day at City Hall.

Due to the fact that there are so many tobacco retailers online, today a B&M could not make it in business without a lounge to sit back and relax and enjoy a good cigar or pipe.

      So far in the States smoking lounges are permitted and I don’t believe that will ever change. If it’s a smoke shop with a smoking lounge non smokers have the choice of NOT shopping or stopping by! That’s about the only building where smokers here have not lost their right to smoke, other than their own home. Many Parks here have banned smoking and parts of New York City in the streets smoking has been banned. Any lounge that’s a bar/pub smoking is not permitted. ONLY a smoking lounge. 

I would think the proprietor of a physical tobacco shop must provide aspects of service unavailable on line, like a lounge, like blending classes, pipe making classes, cigar workshops, tastings, all of that. The on line stores have good people on the phone or available on the website chat feature, making it tougher and tougher for the physical shop to compete.

I wonder when some legislator will propose a 'smoker license' as a deterrent to smoking. It sounds crazy, but the nuts are out there. We would be forced underground.