Retailers look to future

US vape stores are enjoying renewed optimism about the future following the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to postpone key regulatory deadlines, a recent survey has shown.

The independent survey of more than 1,000 US vape stores was conducted by electronic-cigarette industry data provider ECigIntelligence.

The responses showed a 31 percent increase in vape store operators having a positive outlook on the future of the vaping market in the US, ECigIntelligence said in a press note.

Before the FDA announcement in July, most vape stores had arrested expansion plans and cut back on general spending, but since the announcement, many retailers were planning the expansion of business or stock levels.

Seventy seven percent of retailers were feeling some industry optimism, while more than 10 percent had no plans to take any action as yet and were awaiting further regulations before deciding.

‘Average monthly revenue per store shows no change compared with 2016, at around $27,000,’ the note said. ‘While the ratio of mods and starter kits have increased, the e-liquid share of revenue has decreased, which reflects the increasing price pressure on e-liquids and the growing popularity of larger bottle sizes.

‘Also, the number of stores that offer in-house e-liquid has increased from last year. For those that offer both in-house and third-party brands, in-house e-liquids on average account for more than half of their e-liquid revenue.’