Vape display rules ‘could harm small retailer sales’
A BAT survey reveals government proposals to standardise vape packaging and display could reduce product visibility and harm small retailers' sales.Summary
BAT (British American Tobacco) commissioned Censuswide to survey 2,000 former smokers about government proposals to standardise the packaging, appearance, flavour, and display of nicotine products. The government consultation is open until 2 October. Key findings include: 31% of respondents purchase nicotine products from corner shops or local newsagents; 79% said flavour choice was important when selecting products; and 31% selected their product because they saw multiple options on display. BAT's head of sales UK, Jan Louw, warned that reduced product visibility would make it harder for consumers to find products and for shopkeepers to manage stock ranges, leading to increased out-of-stocks and sales losses. He urged retailers to respond to the consultation before the deadline, stressing that regulations should be "workable, proportionate and deliver their intended objectives without creating unnecessary financial and operational burdens" while still preventing youth access.
(Source：conveniencestore.co.uk)
