MAKING ROOM FOR SMOKELESS
C-stores have a significant opportunity to target consumers in overlapping tobacco segments, such as converting cigarette smokers to smokeless products.
While electronic cigarettes are gaining a lot of attention, moist smokeless sales are chugging along with brisk sales. Experts expect this group to increase moist smokeless tobacco usage, which can help retailers boost sales. Savvy retailers are already helping nudge consumers in that direction by carrying, merchandising and educating customers about other tobacco products.
SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONING SMOKERS
Successfully transitioning cigarettes smokers to smokeless and other products is not a new concept. Smokeless sales have been rising steadily for the past five years. According to the Federal Trade Commission, from 1998 to 2011, total annual marketing expenditures for smokeless tobacco increased by 210%, from $145.5 million to $451.7 million.
Stores are buying into the idea of smokeless tobacco as a growing category, but just not yet understanding how to push and merchandise. C-store operators don’t want to lose that cigarette smoker, but they need to start letting customers know that when they cannot smoke–at work or on a plane–there are products out there for them.
GIVE SMOKELESS TOBACCO A “HOME”
One powerful way to merchandise smokeless offering to customers is through creating a specific section for those products in-store. Retailers may create what you might call “The No-Smoke Zone.” The No-Smoke Zone is designed to hold alternative products ranging from smokeless tobacco and snuff to nicotine strips, nicotine gel, nicotine gum, and tobacco pellets.
There are viable products on the market that have failed because they never had a home in convenience stores or tobacco shops. What we are suggesting is to segment the category, and actually give them a home, a space of distinction.
START WITH A MINIMAL INVESTMENT
Products in the smokeless category are growing . If there is one consumer out of every 100 who enjoys tobacco and wants to buy one of these products, stores should carry a solution for them. At the same time, this doesn’t mean a Retailer should overload their shelves with products. We’re talking about a very low investment to start, not more than $150 to $200. The goal is to start providing customers, at a minimum investment, an alternative to cigarettes. In-store marketing support will also prove to be invaluable. First and foremost, an effective POS display is key. There also needs to be a window sign that lets people know you have these products. You may also want to have some pump toppers and front door decals that lets customers know that if they choose not to smoke or will be in a position where they can’t smoke, they have options. Giving your customers choices will lead to incremental sales growth.
Giving your customers choices
will lead to incremental sales growth.
HELPING RETAILERS SUCCEED
Here at TheCstoreEstore.com , we are helping retailers develop a marketing a merchandising strategy for this growing smokeless category by offering cigarette displays and tobacco fixtures that also accommodate snuff, E-cigarettes, vape and many other tobacco related products. As the largest online distributor of Cigarette Racks, Displays and Tobacco Fixtures our goal has been to help retailers increase visibility of growing tobacco trends by offering flexible display systems that accommodate, not only traditional tobacco products, but new offerings as well.
Our goal has been to help retailers
increase visibility of growing tobacco trends
by offering flexible display systems.
Visit TheCstoreEstore.com and view the largest selection of Cigarette Displays and Racks, Tobacco Fixtures, Overhead Cigarette Racks, Under Counter Cigarette Pushers and Display Accessories. You may also call us for assistance.. We are waiting to serve you!
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