FEATURE
Lovell’s
Life
Lessons
Running a vape shop in 2019
Vapouround caught up with BHVape’s Johnnie Lovell about the challenges,
demands and pitfalls faced by those behind the counter of the UK’s vape shops.
By Lucy MacKinnon
Vape shop veteran and Vaper Expo host Johnnie Lovell
thinks those entering the vaping industry this year are
a little too late, but their actions say “they’ve got some
spunk there, they’ve got a bit of guts if they’re going to
open a shop and survive” considering the current vaping
climate.
There is evidence to suggest that the growth in the
number of British vapers is slowing, and that the industry’s
initial boom period has passed. Statistics from Action on
Smoking and Health (ASH) show that compared to the
800,000 new users in 2014, there were only 100,000 new
vapers in 2017, suggesting a plateau.
Even with the evidence to prove that the number of
people taking up vaping is slowing, the rise in vape shops
opening can be seen all over the country. Johnnie told us
that although the market has become saturated, “there
has been a fantastic revitalisation of the high street,”
putting this smoking cessation tool on a public platform.
Expertise, understanding, knowledge and service are the
key components Johnnie credits running a successful
vaping business. He says for the industry to not only
survive, but thrive, standards need to be kept to, “the
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absolute highest you can get them.” While aesthetics
are important, they do not give customers clarification
that shop owners and their workers have a complete
understanding of the industry.
Johnnie suggests that perhaps industry standards should
be set upon and a licensing service set up for the sale of
nicotine, where shops would have to hit certain criteria
to be opened and that it is essential to have, “a real
understanding of this market, because we are playing
with people’s health” therefore, “service, knowledge and
expertise in the market has got to flourish.”
A matter of competition
Johnnie believes that although competition can be a fierce
challenge, “it’s a great thing because it keeps you on your
toes.” He advises business owners to be aware of their
main competitors. “If they make a move to the right, make
a move to the left, if they start following you: change your
direction, be aware of your surroundings.”
Expanding into other markets could help give some a new
angle, Johnnie mentions that the CBD industry is a great
opportunity for vape companies to get involved in, and