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SURVIVING
COVID-19
What steps should the vape industry be taking
as we learn to survive the current crisis?
Words: Gordon Stribling
We’ve been hearing a lot about the ‘new normal’ over the past
couple of months. Prior to lockdown, few of us really anticipated
how different things could be as the world prepared for an
uncertain future. And until a vaccine is found, approved and
mass-produced, the vape industry, like everything else, is going
to have to adapt to survive.
So what steps should we be taking in the weeks and months to
come? And how might these decisions shape the industry of the
future?
Delivery
It’s no exaggeration to say that vape shops have become the
backbone of the British high street. While many shops are on the
decline, vape shops have proliferated all over the country and
you can often find several competing for customers on a single
street.
Many advocates argued that vape shops should have remained
open during lockdown. After all, people rely on them to keep them
from tobacco. And while many were unable to operate at all,
some vape shops adapted to provide same or next-day delivery.
Even once most of us are back at work, there will remain
thousands of vulnerable people stuck at home and unable
to visit vape shops for supplies. Shops that can support their
communities with a delivery service will be in demand.
Hygiene
It’s Saturday afternoon, you’re kind of bored and fancy seeing
some friendly faces. Why not head to your local vape shop?
This may have seemed reasonable in the past, but until the world
gets a handle on this virus, there will likely be less gathering in
vape shops. Maybe a handful of customers in a shop at a time,
two metres apart if at all possible, and hand-washing enforced
on entry.
The real challenge will be testing e-liquids due to the risk of
contracting COVID-19 from popping a rubber drip tip on a tank.
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