Wife asks, 'Why don't you open a cigar shop?'

[tchariya]

Some quick hits about B&M

1) what does the state law say about smoking establishments? What are the requirements to be able to have a retail shop and lounge?

IE, in Illinois, any new cigar shop needs to be in a stand alone building, especially if you are offering a smoking lounge.

2) what licenses are needed? BYO license? Tobacco? hookah?

3) other avenues of income...vapor? gentleman's products? lockers? memberships?

4) community outreach: sell your cigars or at least sell pro-shops inventory; any bar that allows patio smoking will might want to have a humidor; high end steak houses might have a humidor; any wine/ale/beer/scotch/whiskey fest will want a vendor selling cigars there; Harley-Davidson events; sell at golf outings for any non-profits....don't just donate a gift...go out and sell and donate % of proceeds.

5) reach out to vendors and have events with vendors

6) multiple sources of cigar for your stock...I just don't rely on direct vendor relationships.

7) don't spend much on print advertisement; word of mouth is where its at; location is where its at..especially lots of foot traffic

8) make sure you have parking!!!!