BIC teamed up with entertainment legend Snoop Dogg and lifestyle innovator Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands for the new BIC EZ Reach Officially Licensed Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart Lighter Series. Offered in six unique designs each, Snoop’s lighters feature photos of him and illustrations of his albums, and Martha’s lighters are a reflection of […]
Smoker Friendly Acquires Smoke N’GO
Boulder, Colo.-based The Cigarette Store (TCS), operators of the Smoker Friendly chain of retail outlets, has acquired 21 Smoke ‘N GO stores. The stores purchased from the Abbeville, La.-based chain are licensed to sell the SF Private Label brands will continue to do so. Founded in 1976, Smoke N’GO has been owned by the Hoyt…
Halloween Lighter Series
Calico Brands Inc. introduces a new Halloween series to its Scripto Hybrid Designer lighter line, featuring five Halloween designs. The Scripto Hybrid Lighter is the perfect crossover of a multi-purpose lighter and pocket lighter now available with a variety of stylish designer wraps. It features a refillable tank, extended nozzle for safer lighting, adult-friendly push button […]
PMTA Progress Update
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under a court order to review and either authorize or decline to authorize — by Sept. 9, 2021 — the marketing of new tobacco products for which manufacturers submitted Pre-Market Tobacco Applications (PMTAs). But with numerous applications waiting for review, FDA is unlikely to meet the deadline. Background…
Republic Tobacco Is Now Republic Brands
Republic Tobacco is now Republic Brands. The name change comes at a time when the company hopes to propel its brand portfolio and introduce new product offerings to address the rapidly growing rolling and make-your-own market. A global leader in all-natural rolling papers and premium accessories for the roll-your-own (RYO) and make-your-own (MYO) markets, Republic…
Limited-Edition Lemon-Mango Cigarillos
Swisher Sweets announced the limited release of its seasonal blend, Summer Twist. Back by popular demand, this limited-edition taste combines the refreshing tartness of lemon with sweet mango for the perfect summer blend. Swisher Sweets Summer Twist pouches are available in a variety of market-driven price points and will ship nationwide in August. Swisher Sweets […]
OTPs Brace for More Change
Tobacco category managers have gotten used to recalculating vape and e-cigarette planograms with each new regulation issued, be it city ordinance or federal mandate. Now, the other tobacco product (OTP) segment could undergo yet another makeover when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) releases its decisions on pre-market tobacco applications (PMTAs). More than 6 million…
Rolling Paper Collaboration
The JOB Rolling Papers brand is launching a line of products in collaboration with rap mogul Birdman’s $TUNNA brand. JOB x $TUNNA Champagne Rolling Papers feature organic hemp paper sourced from Champagne, France, and will be sold in 1 ¼ and 1 ½ booklets. Following the launch, JOB x $TUNNA plans to expand its line…
Halloween Pocket Lighter Line
Calico Brands Inc. is introducing a new Halloween series to its Scripto Ultima Designer pocket lighter line, featuring five Halloween designs. The lighters are available in a 50-count display-a-tray and two-pack open stock with a suggested retail price of $1.79 per lighter in a display-a-tray and $3.79 per two-pack. The Scripto Ultima has up to […]
How Will Tobacco Tax Increases Affect Convenience Stores?
Tobacco tax increases aren’t going away any time soon, and their effect on convenience stores is substantial — but they’re nothing that resourceful convenience store retailers can’t handle. Tobacco is already among the most heavily regulated categories in the store, and tax rates have gotten out of control as lawmakers in every state use taxation…