E-Cigarette Shops Enter the Retail Scene

NEW YORK -- Retail stores dedicated solely to electronic cigarettes are popping up across the country as e-cigarettes gain traction among consumers.

In New York City, VapeNY opened on the Lower East Side in mid-July, according to the Wall Street Journal. It is the first such shop of its kind in the city, exclusively selling e-cigarettes and accessories, said co-owner Spike Babaian. In addition to buying e-cigarettes and accessories there, customers can sit and sample VapeNY's various flavors and nicotine strengths, the report stated.

Babaian said the company opened a small kiosk in Queens, N.Y., two years ago and plans to open a store in Brooklyn, N.Y., later this year.

Virginia Beach, Va., is also getting its first retail location dedicated solely to electronic cigarettes. According to Pilot Online.com, Pioneer Vapes will open Saturday, Aug. 24. Owner John Espinosa said he started smoking very young and tried many times to quit. E-cigarettes finally helped him.

"I'm just a firm believer in the product. I've been tobacco-free since early 2009. I've converted friends and family members," Espinosa told the news outlet.

Pioneer Vapes will have staff to educate newcomers and a lounge area for people to use the devices. The store will also sell juices and offer free e-cigarette starter kits.