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The State of B&M Tobacconists in the US.
Recently, one of the few pipe tobacconists nearby closed up their doors and consolidated their wares into their last remaining store. I asked why and was simply told that they could no longer remain viable having two stores. The effects of Prop 56 (California tobacco tax) hit them very hard and drove many of their customers to online vendors. I asked if they were worried about the FDA Deeming Rules and the owner simply said 'no, there will always be pipe tobacco on the shelves as long as we are still in business.' Perhaps a bit of a cavalier and contradictory response seeing as how the FDA is intent on waging a war against our pastime that will have no end in sight.
Anyone else seeing this trend in their neck of the woods?
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Local tobacconist's will adapt and overcome in the short run, but make no mistake, the nanny's have every intention of outlawing tobacco in the long term. The fact that the FDA wants to include pipes and cigars, along with vaping products in the deeming regulations is proof. It makes sense to me, that the long term effects of vaping are yet to be seen, so outlawing those products made after 2007 makes some sense. However, pipe tobacco and cigars have been around for hundreds of years, and the long term effects have already been proven.
In the past, revenue has always been the final justification, and my guess is that additional collection of revenues will be the only way the industry will be allowed to grow and thrive.
On an optimistic note, if a person takes the time to research history, they will find that tobacco has always been under fire. When the Native Americans gifted tobacco to the Europeans, and they carried it back to Europe, the nanny's immediately felt the need to eradicate the leaf. Many monarchs and dictators put tobacco users to death over their consumption of the leaf. As with various religions, this fight has been an ongoing war for a very long time.
As of right now, in my neck of the woods, things remain the same on the local B&M scene. However, I think some folks are hoping for a positive outcome in the pending lawsuits, and may already have an exit strategy planned if they feel the need.
The rents on businesses are insane in the bigger cities and their burbs. a corner coffee and sandwich shop in NYC that's been in business for 30 years had their rent raised from $7,800 a month to $15,800 and are closing their doors. Small businesses are being squeezed out by Greed and Taxes.( Official Greed). The taxes are going ballistic in many states. Many state Rip Off Artists, Oops, State elected officials that really care about us, are trying to tax internet sales. Amazon opened a Warehouse in NJ so now all the stuff ordered through them is taxed, even stuff sent from other states ordered through them.
Cellaring is looking more and more like the thing to do. Look for real sales on tobacco as the "Nazi like Deeming" gets closer. I'm seeing some good ones but, they sell out quick
I'm starting to use my cellar as a pantry more now, I still order tobacco from time to time, but I'm going through my drawers looking for stuff I don't favor to clear some room as well.
I'm not leaving nothing to chance. I'm stocking up enough of the blends I like to last me till my dying breath. Regardless of what Hell rains down upon us after the Deeming Regulations go into effect you can be sure that tobacco will never be cheaper than it is today. One tactic always used to dissuade costumers from buying a product is to tax it to death. And I expect that to be one of the major consequences of the Deeming Regulation. So in the time allowed (and as your budget allows) hoard as much of the stuff as you can. Take advantage of the on-line sales when you see them pop-up. Thankfully tobacco, unlike pork and beans or bread, has a virtually limitless shelf life provided you pay special attention to your long term storage techniques.
Unlike many of the responses above my particular area has no place to buy quality pipe tobacco. We have one cigar bar that opened a while back - but it sells nothing for pipe smokers. We have a plethora of "Smokes For Less" that have a few popular OTC blends and giant bags of cheap bulk brands like Jester, Largo, Gambler, 4 Aces, and Smoker's Pride ... but that's about it. We have literally thousands of restaurant chains, shoe stores, clothing stores, coffee shops, office supply stores, sports equipment ... but since The Tinder Box closed it's doors at the Mall not one tobacco shop. I have to travel to Chicago before I can find one. And I'm not getting on I-94 expressway loaded with maniacs driving bumper to bumper at 65 miles per hour to buy a few tins of Molto Dolce when I can get it for half the price on line. Yet I would be more than willing to support a local brick and mortar shop if it opened near me, even if I had to pay more for my tobacco ... just to keep the guy or gal in business.
So I envy all you with a B&M within driving distance. But in the meantime - slowly but surely - I'm making sure my cellar is stocked.
"Be Prepared". That's the Boy Scout's marching song.
"Be" Prepared, don't let anything go wrong.
If you're looking for Adventure of a new and different kind.
And you find a little Girl Scout that is similarly inclined.
Don't be nervous, don't be frightened, don't be scared.
"Be Prepared"!
Tom Lehrer