Tobacco Retailer articles from June 2004

Tobacco Retailer archives from June 2004

Hurry up and wait.(Editor's Note)(inordinate amount of time spent on waiting in line)
June 1, 2004... Have you ever wondered how anything ever gets done in this country? Even with the increases in technology that have supposedly been designed to make our lives quicker and easier, we still spend an inordinate amount time waiting in line. ...

Tobacco companies earn court victory.(Industry News)
June 1, 2004... In May, United States District Judge Gladys Kessler ruled that the Justice Department's $280 billion lawsuit against the nation's top cigarette makers will need to prove at trial whether the tobacco industry intends to engage in "future...

R.J. Reynolds confident merger will progress.(Industry News)(R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.)
June 1, 2004... R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Winston-Salem, N.C., said in May that it was still on track for a $3 billion buy of British American Tobacco's United States unit despite rumors that regulators would block the deal, according to a report by...

Florida Supreme Court to consider tobacco case.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In May, the Florida Supreme Court announced it will review an appellate court decision that threw out a $145 billion verdict against the tobacco industry. The court set oral arguments in the case for the first week in October. New...

Philip Morris to shutter Louisville plant.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In May, Philip Morris USA, Richmond, Va., said it will close a production plant in Louisville, Ky., that employs 112 people, completing its pullout from a city that once was a tobacco industry hub. Operations at the materials conversion...

Counterfeit CIG sales soar in N.Y.(Industry News)(Cigarettes)
June 1, 2004... According to the New York Health Department, one out of three smokers purchased black-market smokes in 2003, bypassing the more the $3-per-pack taxes instituted by the city and state of New York to encourage people to kick the habit, reported...

Study: genetics plays role in smokers' choices.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In the first study to analyze the impact of genetic factors on multiple stages of tobacco use in both men and women, a team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University has found some of the strongest evidence yet for the role of...

Reynolds reaches accord with tobacco growers.(Industry News)(R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In April, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Winston-Salem, N.C., reached an agreement to resolve a class-action lawsuit related to tobacco leaf purchases with tobacco growers and quota holders. Under the settlement, RJRT has agreed to pay the...

Water pipe usage increasing.(Industry News)
June 1, 2004... Smoking tobacco using a water pipe--also called a hookah--generally is viewed in a more positive light than smoking cigarettes, particularly for women, according to one of the first studies to look at the effect of social attitudes and gender...

Senecas withdraw challenge to internet sales ban.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... According to Associated Press reports, the Seneca Indian Nation has withdrawn its challenge to New York's ban on Internet tobacco sales. The tribe sued in United States District Court in January claiming the law, enacted in June 2003, was...

Philip Morris USA honors top suppliers.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Philip Morris USA, Richmond, Va., has named the winners of this year's Crown of Excellence awards, an honor it bestows on a select few of its direct materials suppliers. The awards recognize suppliers that consistently deliver the highest...

USSTC creates Online Poker Championships.(Industry News)
June 1, 2004... In April, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, Greenwich, Conn., announced the Copenhagen Online Poker Championships, a five-month tournament in which adults will compete for virtual chips against the computer for a chance to win a $100,000 grand...

Swedish Match North America launches Longhorn nationally.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Following a successful market test, Swedish Match North America, Richmond, Va., is expanding distribution of its newest price-value moist snuff brand, called Longhorn, nationally. Longhorn is available in Fine Cut Natural, Long Cut Wintergreen...

JT International launches new retail program.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... JT International USA, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J., has announced a new trade sweepstakes, "Your Ticket 2 Success," which offers adult employees of licensed tobacco retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to win thousands of prizes, including...

Puros Indios updates look of boxes, ring art.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Miami-based Puros Indios Cigars has introduced its new look in artwork for cigar rings and boxes. The new design will apply only to its Puros Indios line. "The purpose of this is to attract new smokers, and to give the retailers a...

Torano adds first outside sales rep.(Industry News)(Appointments)(Representative)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Gene Thompson has been hired as an independent sales representative for Miami-based Torano Cigars. Thompson is based in Atlanta and now represents Torano Cigars in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. "We felt it was time to...

Heavenly Cigar unveils new Web site.(Industry News)
June 1, 2004... Heavenly Cigar Company, Naples, Fla., has redesigned and recently updated its www.beavencigar.com Web site. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We designed our new Web site to drive the flood of calls from smokers nationwide and other countries,...

NAS Retailer of the year contest underway.(Industry News)(Natural American Spirit)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Innovation and creativity continue to be the driving forces behind the Natural American Spirit Retailer of the Year 2004 Display Contest sponsored by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Santa Fe, N.M., maker of Natural American Spirit cigarettes....

Brown and Williamson accused of marketing to children.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Brown and Williamson Tobacco, Louisville, Ky., is facing litigation from more than two dozen states which claim the company is marketing its Kool cigarettes to youths. The states' attorneys general contend that Brown and Williamson puts...

Sunden leaves Swedish Match.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... In March, Lennart Sunden left his position as president and CEO with immediate effect due to lack of confidence between him and the board of directors of Stockholm, Sweden-based Swedish Match. The company's executive vice president, Sven...

Smoking ban in place in Ireland.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Ireland's new smoking ban, a measure that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, almost all workplaces, enclosed public areas and on public transportation, went into effect on-March 29. Those who violate the ban face fines of up to $3,825. ...

CAO creates "CAO All-Access".(Industry News)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Nashville, Tenn.-based CAO has announced the release of "CAO All-Access." "All-Access," a periodic newsletter sent via e-mail, will be delivered to CAO customers who sign up for the free service. "CAO All-Access" will provide subscribers...

House of representatives passes Small Business Health Fairness Act.(Washington Report)
June 1, 2004... In May, House Republicans and Democrats joined together to pass the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 4281), a measure that will expand access to health coverage for uninsured families across the country. The bill creates...

At a crossroads: a amendments put the viability of the discount cigarette category in doubt.(Cover Story)
June 1, 2004... Fourth-tier cigarette manufacturers fought to get noticed with tobacco customers and retailers, and they've battled for market share and product acceptance. Now, they've gained the attention of the state attorneys general and that means they...

Old dog, new tricks: properly adding a coffee program can help tobacco businesses grow, not just survive.(Operations)
June 1, 2004... It's spreading. Found for years almost exclusively in coffee shops and convenience stores, coffee products are finding their way into other retail categories-including CTS sites. Ever since the recession dug in its heels more than three...

Piping hot or not? Pipe category defies predictions for now, but many are high on its future.(Product Profile)(tobacco industry)
June 1, 2004... The pipe is a popular nostalgia item, dating back to a time when people were less pressed for time and more apt to take the meticulous care required to pack and smoke a pipe. It's true that history inevitably repeats itself, take the Volkswagen...

Terrific twos: second year of NATO Expo exceeds all expectations.(Show Review)(North Atlantic Treaty Organization Conference & Exposition)
June 1, 2004... Arambunctious child is often said to be going through a growth stage called the Terrible Twos. Well, this year's second version of the NATO Expo put its own spin on that moniker. Called it the Terrific Twos. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Human capital ROI.(The Personnel Touch)(Return On Investment)
June 1, 2004... Real quick, what's the largest expense on your P & L? If you're like most retailers, it's labor, and don't forget to factor in labor burden which can run you on average an additional 38 percent of wages. Now here's the more important...

2,000 and growing.(NATO News)(North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
June 1, 2004... During the 2004 NATO Expo, more than 90 tobacco stores joined the association, putting the total number of NATO member retail tobacco stores above the 2,000 mark. This is a significant milestone for NATO considering that the association was...

The next generation.(Tax Tips)
June 1, 2004... The cost of sending your children or grandchildren to college continues to skyrocket. And predictions are that college costs will continue to rise a bit each year in the foreseeable future. Sorry, but the cost of educating your...

Lignum 2 adds "luxurious" options to classics line.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Lignum-2, Inc., has introduced two luxurious additions to its popular Classics selection - Sampoerna Dark Classics and Sampoerna Menthol Classics. Blended for smokers of clove cigarettes seeking a more mellow and luxurious flavor, Dark...

Otterbox updates Cigar Caddy.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... OtterBox has updated the design of its waterproof, airtight and crushproof "Cigar Caddy" line of cigar cases, and added two new sizes to the line. OtterBox guarantees the Cigar Caddy will protect cigars and keep them moist in tough...

Scripto introduces the joy of the hunt.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Scripto has released a five-piece collection of hunting-themed lighters sure to please the avid hunter and amateur alike. The new designs feature a quail, pheasant, turkey, deer and duck, attracting all hunting game types. This line is offered...

Fireklip LLC.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Fireklip LLC has introduced a new product that solves one of the most common problems experienced by smokers: losing their lighters. The Fireklip is designed specially to fit a BIC Mini lighter. The lighter is inserted into the Fireklip, which...

Brown Sugar is HBI's latest flavor.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... HBI Tobacco has unveiled its sweetest flavored tobacco wrap ever, Brown Sugar. HBI Tobacco has used its "Triple Dip" flavoring system to make Brown Sugar taste sweet. Brown Sugars will be available in 1-1/4-inch sizes and three highly requested...

Take Cyclone pre-rolled blunts for a spin.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... HBI Tobacco has introduce Cyclones, the world's first flavored pre-rolled cone blunt. The cone style of rolling blunt cigars has become very popular due to its unique burning characteristics. However, rolling such a shape is a difficult and...

Juicy Jay's updates look and flavors.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... HBI Tobacco is keeping Juicy Jay's the best in the market two ways. The first way is by introducing a brand new look. Although previous packaging was very popular, it was time to project a new image with a new Juicy Jay's package and logo....

Republic introduces Gambler Filter Tubes.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Republic Tobacco L.P., has introduced Gambler Cigarette Filter Tubes, available in both full-flavor and light varieties. An extension of its discount bag lines of Gambler Cigarette Tobacco, the new Gambler Tubes are significantly lower-priced...

JOB Special Edition Papers now available.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Republic Tobacco L.P., has released its line of JOB 1.25 Special Edition Cigarette Papers, featuring double-holograms on gold foil packaging. This limited release to select markets under the flagship brand of JOB 1.25 carries a two-color...

Apple Blend latest Skoal flavor.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company has launched Skoal Apple Blend, which combines rich, premium tobacco with the delicious, crisp flavor of juicy apples. Apple Blend is made with the finest premium, 100-percent hand-selected, American tobaccos. It...

Tatiana adds flavors to tinned Cigars.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Miami Cigar & Company has debuted a tinned presentation for two flavors of Tatiana premium flavored cigars. Chocolate and Mandarin Tatiana premium flavored cigars have 100 percent choice Dominican filler tobacco and are hand made. The...

Indianhead adds shapes to pipe line.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Indianhead has introduced six new bent shapes to its line of European-crafted value pipes. This brings the total of shapes available to 15. The new shapes are all bents, with Danish-style vulcanite stems. Like the previous introduction, all...

Felipe Gregorio debuts Ozona Spearmint nasal snuff.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Felipe Gregorio Tobacco World has added a Spearmint flavor to its Ozona nasal snuff line. Ozona Spearmint joins Ozona Cherry and Raspberry flavors, which Felipe Gregorio Tobacco World began distributing in the United States in 2003. Suggested...

Farmer's Golden Leaf available from M & R holdings.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Farmer's Golden Leaf is the newest blend to hit the ryo/myo market. M & R Holdings, Inc., has announced the addition of Farmer's Golden Leaf to provide a premium blend of choice tobaccos at an affordable price to those seeking a smooth blend to...

Lyta-Mints provide fresh breath.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... Lyta-Mints, which are being licensed by Advent Product Development, Inc., is a line of cigarette lighters that contain a breath-freshening dispenser designed to provide smokers with a dual-use device that is convenient to use and saves space by...

H.J. Bailey adds to pipe offering.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... H.J. Bailey Co. has added a total of six new styles to its line of Sasieni and GBD pipes, all made in England. The Sasieni 4 Dot No. 14 Panel is available in natural, ruff root dark and light styles. The Sasieni 4 Dot No. 4 Dublin is available...

New pack tins from NAS.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... This summer, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. will offer its Natural American Spirit cigarettes in classic, custom-crafted pack tins at no extra cost to retailers. This year's limited-edition pack tins are colorful metal replicas of NAS hinge-lid...

Prairie Aire pouches eliminate odors.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... New Prairie Aire scent pouches from Crane Creek Gardens offer a blend of indigenous prairie plants, alfalfa and corn cobs, releasing an aroma designed to absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors such as cigarette smoke, must, mildew and pet odors...

National Tobacco of USA enters market.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... National Tobacco of USA Corp., has introduced American Hero cigarettes and Remington Little Cigars to the public. American Hero and Remington Little Cigars have been developed to compete in the low-price cigarette and little cigar categories....

Savings for the dedicated smoker.(Product News)
June 1, 2004... The newly developed Cigarette Saver Ashtray allows smokers to neatly extinguish unfinished cigarettes so that the unfinished portion can be enjoyed later. The all-in-one ash receptacle and integrated cigarette snuffer is constructed of durable...