Smoker Friendly Adds 50-Plus Sites in Indiana
BOULDER, Colo. — Smoker Friendly is expanding its footprint in the Midwest.
The Cigarette Store LLC dba Smoker Friendly acquired the Richmond-Master Distributors Inc. stores dba Low Bob's Discount Tobacco based out of South Bend, Ind.
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"We are very pleased to welcome the Low Bob's team to the Smoker Friendly family. Pat and Scott Carrico and the Richmond Master team have been longtime friends and leaders in the tobacco outlet channel. We are fortunate to make this acquisition and strengthen our Smoker Friendly footprint in Indiana bringing our store count to 80 in the state," said Smoker Friendly CEO Terry Gallagher Jr.
All 54 Low Bob's Discount Tobacco locations across Indiana will be rebranded Smoker Friendly, expanding the brand's presence in the state. There are currently 344 Smoker Friendly locations in 13 states. Hundreds of independently owned stores are also part of the Smoker Friendly network.
"The last 20 years Low Bob's Discount Tobacco built an outstanding company through the dedication of our hardworking team. This transition will take our retail stores to the next level," said Patrick A. Carrico, president of Tobacco Central Group. "Smoker Friendly's growth and innovation in our industry have shown us our company could not be in better hands. We are happy that Smoker Friendly recognizes the strength of our company and its future potential."
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The Boulder-based tobacco retailer has been steadily growing over the past year and half. In August 2022, it completed its largest transaction with the acquisition of Forrest City, Ark.-based Tobacco Superstores. The deal comprised 79 stores spread across Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri and Kentucky. The locations were rebranded Smoker Friendly and carry the SF cigarette and tobacco product lines, as Convenience Store News previously reported.
The Cigarette Store is the largest licensee of Smoker Friendly International, and the largest tobacco store retailer in the United States, operating a mix of tobacco stores, cigar lounges, liquor stores and fueling locations under several banners, including Smoker Friendly, Tobacco Depot, Smoke 'N Go, Havana Manor and Gasamat, in addition to its e-commerce site, paylesscigarsandpipes.com.