According to a report in The Independent, the number of Vape Shops in the United Kingdom experienced a significant increase last year. The Local Data Co. (LDC) conducted a survey, and the findings revealed that the country now has a total of 3,573 specialized vape shops, which is 233 more than the figure recorded at the beginning of 2023. In comparison, there was an increase of 61 shops in 2022, but a decline of 23 shops in 2020.
It should be noted that the LDC’s data does not take into account convenience stores, post office shops, and newsagents that also sell e-cigarettes and related products.
According to data published by NIQ and trade journal The Grocer, sales of vape products experienced a growth of £897.4 million ($1.14 billion) in 2023. Lost Mary, the fastest-growing vape brand in the UK witnessed a sales increase of £310 million in 2022.
However, the market for traditional tobacco products appeared to have contracted in 2023. The sales of cigarettes and loose tobacco declined by £849.1 million and £393.1 million, respectively.
To address the issue of youth vaping, the government recently announced a consultation on how to protect children while encouraging adult smokers to use e-cigarettes to quit. The suggested measures include restrictions on flavors and product descriptions that might appeal to underage consumers, as well as rules regarding the presentation of products in stores.
The Rising Number of Vape Shops Reflects Rising Demand From Smokers to Quit Smoking
Jonne Dunne, the director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, believes that the increase in the number of specialist vape shops reflects the growing demand from smokers who want to quit smoking cigarettes. He stated that vapes have been proven to be the most effective method for smokers to quit and that e-cigarettes are helping an additional 50,000 smokers quit their habit annually.
