According to a report by British media Sky News on January 2, survey data on retail areas by the Data Company (LDC) showed that the number of independent vape shops in the UK will usher in a significant growth in 2023.
In 2023, the number of independent vape shops in the UK increased by 233, bringing the total to 3,573. This statistics only includes professional stores, excluding convenience stores, newsstands and other places that sell e-cigarette equipment and accessories. In contrast, the number of independent e-cigarette shops in China will increase by 61 in 2022 and decrease by 23 in 2021. According to reports from market research organization NIQ and industry magazine "The Grocer", UK e-cigarette sales will reach 897 million pounds (approximately US$1.135 billion) in 2023.
However, due to concerns about the impact of e-cigarettes on children and the environment, the government is planning to impose new restrictions on e-cigarettes.
ACTION on Smoking and Health reports that the number of children using e-cigarettes has tripled in the past three years. One in five children aged 11 to 17 has tried e-cigarettes.
The government last year announced plans to further restrict smoking and vaping and is currently consulting on proposals for a possible ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Other plans under consideration include raising prices and limiting the flavors and appearance of e-cigarettes to make them less attractive to children.
However, the e-cigarette industry insists that their products play a vital role in helping people quit smoking.
John Dunn, director general of the British Vaping Industry Association, said specialist vape shops play a key role in guiding smokers on how to better switch to e-cigarettes and how to continue their journey towards zero nicotine.
He pointed out that e-cigarettes have been proven to be the most effective way for smokers to quit smoking, helping about 50,000 smokers to quit smoking every year. The rise in the number of specialist vape shops reflects the growing demand from smokers eager to kick their addiction.
