The Independent quoted a survey by the Local Data Company (LDC) as saying that the number of e-cigarette shops in the UK increased significantly last year.
There are currently 3,573 e-cigarette stores in the country, an increase of 233 from the beginning of 2023. In comparison, 61 stores will be added in 2022 and 23 stores will be reduced in 2020.
LCD's data excludes a large number of convenience stores, post offices and newsagents, which also sell e-cigarettes and related products.
According to data released by NIQ and trade The Grocer, sales of e-cigarette products increased by 897.4 million pounds ($1.14 billion) in 2023.
The fastest growing e-cigarette brand in the UK is Lost Mary, with sales increasing by £310m in 2022.
The traditional tobacco product market will shrink in 2023. Sales of cigarettes and loose tobacco fell by £849.1 million and £393.1 million respectively.
In an effort to combat youth vaping, the government recently announced a consultation on how to protect children while encouraging adults to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking.
Its recommendations include limiting flavors and product descriptions that may appeal to underage consumers and regulating how products are displayed in stores.
Jonne Dunne, director general of the U.K. Vaping Industry Association, said the increase in the number of specialist e-cigarette shops reflected the growing demand from smokers who want to quit smoking.
He added: "E-cigarettes have proven to be the most effective way for smokers to quit smoking." E-cigarettes help approximately 50,000 more smokers quit smoking every year.
