C-store retailers are struggling to secure sufficient supply of vape pods following the recent ban on disposable vapes, ITV reported.
In a short investigation, ITV reporter Sam Leader visited six c-stores searching for refills for the ”most popular reusable vapes on the market” but was unsuccessful. One of the shopkeepers he spoke to said “it’s better for you to just buy a brand new vape”.
While the disposable ban was pushed for environmental reasons, Leader questioned the “fundamental flaws” in the new regulation, questioning its effectiveness.
He said if vapers “can’t find the liquid for their reusable vapes” and prices remain similar to disposables, there’s little incentive for vapers to change their disposing habits.
In response to ITV’s investigation, popular vape brands Elf Bar and Lost Mary said their packaging “clearly states that the devices are rechargeable” and supporting materials inside the pack also “make it clear the products are for reuse”.
”Refill pods are sold in packs of two at the same price as the device, encouraging reuse by making it far more cost-effective than buying a new device each time,” said a spokesperson for the two brands.
“To strengthen this messaging further, we are updating the packaging to also include a new mark that highlights the product is reusable, rechargeable and uses replaceable pods.”
Meanwhile Chris Noice, communications director at the Association of Convenience Stores, said c-store retailers are actively trying to get hold of vape pods but are challenged by current regulations.
“Suppliers need to do more. They need to make these pods available on the market and get them into more retailers,” he told ITV.
On refill availability, Elf Bar and Lost Mary commented: “Our reusable pod kits, supported by readily available refill parts, including pods and containers, are widely available across over 50,000 UK outlets, including leading supermarkets and grocers, convenience stores, forecourts, wholesalers and symbol groups.
“In the convenience channel, this includes the UK’s largest wholesalers, helping to ensure the ongoing availability of refills in local stores across the country.”
Also speaking to ITV, the Independent British Vape Trade Association said: ’Our members are reporting that sales of replacement pods are out stripping sales of the devices, in many cases by a factor of between 3 and 9.
“This therefore would indicate that consumers are aware that the devices are reusable and replacement pods are available. The uptake in reusable products may have taken some suppliers by surprise, which may mean some temporary supply issues.
“However our members data shortly to be published would suggest that in environment terms the disposable vape ban has been very successful.”
No comments yet