E-cigarettes are a big trend on the show floor, with several new manufacturers showcasing electronic products. The Tobacco Plus Expo International (TPE) opened in Las Vegas on March 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together a broad array of tobacco, tobacco products and accessories under one roof. On the show floor, the major…
Lighting the Way to Profitability
Lighters can be an afterthought. There are relatively few manufacturers, everyone merchandises them near the front counter, liability issues have cut down on cheap products and differentiation is only skin deep. But even given the limited number of companies supplying products, lighters produce an excellent margin—between 40% and 60%—and sales have been steady for the…
Calico
Scripto® introduces the new electronic Mega Lighter® to it’s everyday line of popular disposable pocket lighters. The new Mega Lighter® features a wide tank, adjustable flame, clean electronic ignition and visible fuel supply. Available in an assortment of colors: white, burgundy, black and blue. Booth #6940 Calicowww.calicobrands.com
Electronic Pocket Lighter
Scripto has introduced the new electronic Mega Lighter to its everyday line of disposable pocket lighters. The new Mega Lighter features a wide tank, adjustable flame, clean electronic ignition and visible fuel supply. It is available in an assortment of colors: white, burgundy, black and blue. The Scripto Mega Lighter began shipping Aug. 1, in…
Selling Smokes Still Profitable
While foodservice sales are soaring, the tobacco category is still as important as ever. I heard recently that the the profit convenience stores derive from foodservice has overtaken that of tobacco. Now I’m right there with the rest of the industry in joining the deli revolution, but that does not mean that I’m ready to…
Lighting the Way
Making money in tobacco accessories—lighters, cigar cutters, humidors, pipes, rolling machines, rolling papers and even hookahs—during the months ahead may not be easy, but it can be done. Three ways to do it: offer novel items, stay on the cutting edge of trends and let customers roll their own. The payoff in 2010 could be…
Zippo Acquires Ronson Corp. Assets
Bradford, Pa-based Zippo Manufacturing Company has completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Ronson Consumer Products Corporation of Woodbridge, N.J., and Ronson Corporation of Canada Ltd.; and certain related assets of Ronson Corporation. Zippo is one of the world’s most widely recognized brands, best known for its iconic refillable windproof lighter. The…
Lighter Libations
BIC launches its Special Edition Drink Series Lighters, which feature 12 popular adult beverage designs. The series images are bright, fun, expressive and reflect the lifestyle of the out and about customer. The suggested retail value of a BIC Special Edition Drink Series Lighter is $1.49. For More Information fromBIC203-783-2000 www.bicworldusa.com
Hot Cars
Scripto’s line of Hot Rods spark wheel lighters featuresleek images of vintage Hot Rods. The 5-design line represents America’s affection for automotive speed and style. The Hot Rod lighters are sure to spark interest amongst Hot Rod enthusiasts. This classic line is offered with a choice of themed counter display or Display-A Tray. The lighters…
Variety Stand
Calico Brands c-store rack configurations offer a three price-point strategy: entry level, mid-tier and premium retail. Included in the four-tier racks is a combination of Calico Texas Hold’em Cigar lighters, Calico Electronic, Scripto Mini Match, Scripto Mighty Match, Scripto Electronic, Cricket Plus and Cricket Electronic. Each 4-tier rack includes a free pre-selected 50-count tray of…