Cigar stores have a decision to make when it comes to selling cigars: should they sell well-known brand names or create their own line of cigars? While there are pros and cons to both options, Here are there the distinct advantages to selling one’s own cigars. Here are some points to consider in this Cigar Business Smackdown: The Ultimate Battle of Boutique Blends vs. Mass-Produced Cigars.
Price:
While there are many advantages to selling one’s own line of cigars, the largest ones to consider is the competition from online retailers. With the rise of e-commerce, customers can easily shop around for the lowest price on their favorite cigars, often finding prices lower than what you may be paying wholesale. That is not a good recipe for success. This can make it challenging for stores to remain competitive and profitable.
Standing out from the competition:
In addition to the competition online, another huge advantage of creating their own line of cigars, is a growing trend among consumers to buy local and support small businesses. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including a desire to connect with their community, a preference for unique and high-quality products, and a desire to support small-scale producers who are passionate about their craft.
Buy Local:
For many consumers, buying local is about more than just supporting small businesses. It’s also a way to connect with the community and feel a sense of pride in the products they purchase. When buying from a local tobacco store that produces their own line of cigars, customers can feel a sense of ownership and pride in supporting a business that is an important part of their community.
In conjunction with the community and pride, there is also a growing preference for unique and high-quality products. With so many mass-produced products flooding the market, consumers are increasingly seeking out small-scale producers who offer products that are unique, high-quality, and often handcrafted. By producing their own line of cigars, tobacco stores can tap into this demand for unique and high-quality products and offer customers a smoking experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Commitment:
Finally, there is a growing preference among consumers for small-scale producers who are passionate about their craft and stand behind their products. Small batch sellers who produce their own line of cigars are often deeply committed to the quality of their product and are willing to go to great lengths t o ensure that every cigar is of the highest quality. This level of commitment and passion can be felt by customers, who appreciate the care and attention that goes into each cigar.
Branding:
Creating their own line of cigars also gives tobacco stores the opportunity to establish their own unique brand. With clever marketing and a strong social media presence, stores can build a loyal customer base that associates their name with high-quality cigars. This can also help set them apart from competitors and make their store a destination for cigar enthusiasts.
Service:
However, there are strategies that tobacco stores can use to mitigate this challenge. One approach is to focus on building strong relationships with customers. By offering exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming environment, stores can create a loyal customer base that values the experience of shopping in-store. Customers who appreciate the personal attention and expertise of the store’s staff are more likely to stick with the store, even if they find slightly lower prices online. This can also help build the store’s brand and attract new customers who may not have known about the store otherwise.
Exclusivity:
Another advantage of selling one’s own line of cigars is the potential for exclusivity. Since the cigars are unique to that particular store, customers won’t be able to find them anywhere else. This can create a sense of excitement and exclusivity around the store’s brand, leading to increased demand and higher sales.
Quality/Uniqueness:
Another very important point is that tobacco stores can differentiate themselves from online retailers by emphasizing the quality and uniqueness of their own line of cigars. By offering a product that can’t be found anywhere else, stores can create a loyal customer base that values the store’s expertise and the quality of the cigars they produce.
Finally, there is a growing preference among consumers for small-scale producers who are passionate about their craft and stand behind their products. Small batch sellers who produce their own line of cigars are often deeply committed to the quality of their product, and are willing to go to great lengths to ensure that every cigar is of the highest quality. This level of commitment and passion can be felt by customers, who appreciate the care and attention that goes into each cigar.
In conclusion, while there are many reasons why consumers choose to buy local and support small businesses, the trend is driven in part by a desire for community, unique and high-quality products, incredible customer service and a preference for small-scale producers who are passionate about their craft. By producing their own line of cigars, tobacco stores can tap into this growing trend and offer customers a smoking experience that is truly unique and of the highest quality.