CSNews Webcast to Tackle Tobacco Industry Changes

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- The retail environment for tobacco sales has been evolving for the past several years due to manufacturer consolidation, legislation and government regulation.

Some retailers, like drugstore chain CVS, are exiting the tobacco-selling business, while other players, like dollar stores, have jumped in. Innovative new products, including electronic cigarettes, vapors, tanks and mods, have burst onto the scene, while some traditional categories are under stress.

The announcement on July 15 of the merging of No. 2 tobacco company Reynolds American Inc. and No. 3 Lorillard Inc., in a transaction valued at $27.4 billion, means more change is coming. The impact of this merger will go well beyond cigarettes, as the growth of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vapor products all will be affected.

It’s clear that adapting to these changes will be a complex process for industry players across the supply chain. The retailers that are able to respond most quickly will be in a much better position to take advantage of growth opportunities as the situation plays out.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 2-3 p.m. eastern time, Convenience Store News will host a webcast entitled, “Tobacco: Survival of the Fittest.” Sponsored by Swedish Match, this web event will focus on putting data trends and merchandising practices into perspective, while sharing insights related to growth opportunities in smokeless, cigars and electronic nicotine devices.

The discussion will be moderated by CSNews Editorial Director Don Longo and include tobacco industry experts David Bishop, managing partner of Balvor LLC, and Joe Teller, director of category management at Swedish Match.

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit topics and questions they’d like answered when they register for the webcast. If you're a convenience store retailer, you don't want to miss this event.

Sign up now by clicking here.