Tobacco Display Ban in Large Stores Boosts Overall Sales in Small Shops

Source from:  Asian Trader (uk) 04/19/2012

THE BAN on tobacco displays in supermarkets is boosting sales in small stores, independent retailers have told Asian Trader. Just days after the new law came into force, c-store owners said they were receiving visits from new tobacco customers who were 'fed up' with longer than normal queues in the multiples. Some industry experts claim the independent sector will benefit from an uplift of ￡1bn as it enjoys a three year period of grace before the ban, which came into force in stores of more than 280 square metres on April 6, is implemented in small stores in 2015. Amundeep Kundi, who runs a Premier Express, in Darlington, told Asian Trader: "I have already gained some new customers. People from Asda are now coming here for cigarettes because they say there are long queues there, especially when someone's brand has run out and they have to choose an alternative but can't see the range. "Some of them have also bought lunch and coffee here, so the ban has been positive for my business overall. I'm thinking of putting up a sign that says 'don't queue for your tobacco' or something like that." Manny Sahota, who runs a Mace in Portsmouth, said: "There has been a noticeable increase in my tobacco customer numbers. Some are worried about getting caught in long queues. One new guy came in and said he couldn't be bothered to go to his usual supermarket because of 'the extra hassle'. He stayed and chatted with me for ten minutes and has been back twice since." Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he hoped the ban would prevent people from taking up smoking and also help those trying to give up. However tobacco manufacturers claim the ban will have little effect on the number of people smoking. Enditem