SAME BUT
Different
Derby’s new-look Vapouround
Lounge shows that we can
make it work
Words: Gordon Stribling
The long, long wait is over. The UK is finally up
and running. Or perhaps just walking at a brisk
pace with a small bottle of hand sanitiser in its
pocket.
The loosening of the lockdown is, of course,
great news for the UK’s vape shops and the
thousands of vapers who rely on them. We
argued from the beginning that shops that help
people stay free from tobacco should have
been deemed ‘essential’, but we’re here now.
Vapouround’s flagship lounge in Derby
reopened its doors for business on June 15.
Along with a complete refit to accommodate
COVID-19 safety measures, the shop was fully
stocked with new products and offers to please
vapers and help smokers make the switch.
Assistant store manager Kelli Toon told
Vapouround: “We’ve decided to implement all
the rules and advice. I’ve been to other shops
that have people vaping in them but that might
heighten the risk of spreading the virus so we
are not taking any chances.
“Everyone has been perfectly understanding
about all the rules, they’re just happy to have
their vape stores open again after all this time.”
The shop is now much more of an open
space than it was, with the seating moved to
allow for the social distancing measures to
be maintained. Floor stickers indicate where
people can stand and perspex screens around
the counter help protect staff and customers,
116 VM29