Loss prevention in retail is becoming a more challenging task as the economy stumbles along. In order to keep costs down it is important to put measures into place that will deter thieves. In a tough economy, every dollar counts. But loss prevention is often overlooked by convenience stores, even when following through on upholding…
NATO Show Secures Key Tobacco Companies
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets Inc. (NATO) has announced that all of the leading cigarette manufacturers in the country are committed to participate in NATO’s 10th Anniversary and Trade Show. Altria Sales and Distribution, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and Commonwealth Brands are all confirmed exhibitors at the show to be held April…
Sealed-Fresh Foil Wrapping
Due to popular demand, Swisher International has introduced Sealed-Fresh foil wrapping on all of the company’s Swisher Sweets Cigarillos. First introduced on Swisher Sweets Wine Cigarillos, the new Sealed-Fresh packaging proved to be a huge success among retailers and customers. Expanding on that success, the new technology is now incorporated as the standard packaging for…
Smoker Friendly Signs New Locations
Smoker Friendly International has signed nine new locations, working with Harold Levinson Associates (HLA) sales team. The independent stores are tobacco customers of HLA, and have decided to license with Smoker Friendly International as authorized dealers to have an exclusive private label program for each of their stores. The stores are located in northern New…
Menthol Ban Could Fuel Black Market
The FDA is considering a ban on menthol cigarettes in the U.S., a move some fear could have unintended consequences, such as a skyrocketing black market for the products. “What we’re currently facing in the U.S. is the (potential) banning of a currently legal product. We’re very concerned that would create an immediate black market…
NATO Responds to FDA’s Proposed Training Program
The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) has responded to the FDA’s proposed guidance on tobacco retail training programs. Under the FDA law, retailers are not required to train employees on how to prevent the sale of regulated tobacco products to minors. However, if tobacco products are sold to a minor, the retailer will be…
Cigarette Sales Drop In New York
The New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) has reported that cigarette sales at convenience stores in New York have seen a steep decline since the $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase hit on July 1, 2010. New York State now holds the highest state cigarette tax rate in the nation at $4.35 per pack,…
PACT Act Confusion
The federal Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) goes into effect today, June 29, 2010. PACT Act is set to regulate the sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco sold over the Internet or by mail order to consumers. But, one provision of the PACT Act has caused some confusion, according to the…
NY Cigarette Taxes To Hit $4.35 A Pack
On Monday night, June 21, 2010, the New York Legislature narrowly agreed to increase the state’s tax on cigarettes. The tax is now set to grow by an additional $1.60-to a national-high $4.35 a pack, the New York Daily News reported. When adding in city and federal taxes, the tax charged on one pack…
FDA Republishes June 22 Tobacco Regulations
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products has republished a rule, which becomes effective June 22, 2010, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. As of June 22 the rule will impose certain restrictions on the sale, distribution, advertising and marketing of cigarettes, rolling tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The regulations in this rule do not…