With the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many people around the world are stockpiling essentials like food and water, but also hand sanitizer and toilet paper. For vapers, the essentials include vaping supplies like e-liquid, vape pods, e-cigarette cartridges, coils, atomizers, tanks, and vape batteries. With various cities, states, and countries effectively on lockdown, many vapers around the world have suddenly found themselves confined to their homes. And with many brick-and-mortar vape shops closed, at least for the time being, vapers around the world have been flocking to online vape stores to order their much-needed vaping supplies.
Guy Lawler, the owner of online vape shop VapeKit.co.uk, said business is “through the roof” as vapers in the UK are “stockpiling like crazy” in the face of COVID-19. With sales on the rise, online vape shops have found themselves well-positioned to capitalize on the needs of vapers during this time of global crisis. But not everything is necessarily well for online vape shops, as the sudden surge in sales has left some stores scrambling to fill orders. There are also potential concerns with shipping delays and restocking inventory for shops to contend with. But all concerns aside, one thing is clear: the coronavirus, thus far, has been good for business. Although, this could all change and perhaps quickly at that.
For now, though, online vape shops are a clear beneficiary of stay-at-home orders and the closing of brick-and-mortar vape stores. However, some brick-and-mortar shops are doing what they can to keep their customers happy. For example, some vape shops that have been forced to close their doors are now offering curbside pickup and delivery, allowing them to continue serving customers while mitigating the risk of infection.
Between the pandemic and anti-vaping legislation, brick-and-mortar vape shops certainly have some harsh realities to overcome if they are to stay in business. Exactly which ones will pull through and which ones will close permanently remains to be seen.
You can learn more about the coronavirus on the World Health Organization’s website.