Table 1 Perceptions and strategies of tobacco and vape retail stores in Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Westminster, CA, 2015–2016
Tobacco shops (n = 18) | Vape shops (n = 9) | |
|---|---|---|
Why retailer carries ENDSa products (tobacco shops) or opened an ENDS store | ||
Positive experience with or perceptions of ENDS | – | 89% |
Potential to help smokers quit or smoke less | – | 44% |
Important to carry them | 39% | |
Keep up with competitors | 22% | |
Not lose out on sales when customers ask for them | 22% | |
Follow a market trends | 17% | |
Stock a complete product line | 17% | |
Wholesaler recommended products | 11% | |
Perception of customer reasons for ENDS use | ||
To quit smoking | 61% | 78% |
Reduce harm from smoking | – | 44% |
Socializing | – | 56% |
Flavor | – | 33% |
Watch weight | – | 22% |
Vape tricks | – | 22% |
Try something new | – | 22% |
Hobby | – | 22% |
Customizability of ENDS | – | 11% |
Convenience | 6% | |
Marketing activities used by retailer | ||
Social media | 44% | 100% |
Do not market ENDS | 56% | – |
Word of mouth | 22% | 44% |
Print media | – | 33% |
Radio | – | 11% |
Strategies employed by retailer to gain competitive advantage | ||
Customer service | 11% | 56% |
Newness of products | – | 44% |
Price | – | 33% |
Quality of products | – | 33% |
Customizability | – | 11% |