Business Shift in Greenock Hardware Shop
Sofy Saleem decided to diversify the stock in his Greenock hardware shop a few years ago. While he continues to sell screws, nails, and DIY products, a significant portion of his sales now comes from vaping products.
What began as a small corner dedicated to vaping expanded considerably over time. Saleem attributes this growth to "supply and demand," emphasizing that he is simply meeting customer preferences.
"There's good money to be made," he acknowledged, noting the profitability of focusing on vapes.
The vape section of his shop is vibrant and requires frequent restocking. Shelves are filled with a variety of flavours, from gummy bears to lemonade.
"This one flies out," he said, pointing to a strawberry-flavoured vape.
Unlike cigarettes, which must be kept out of sight, vapes are displayed prominently with their "nice colours," which Saleem explained serve as an attraction that encourages customer interaction.
Growth of Vape Retailers Across Scotland
Saleem’s business transformation is part of a wider trend. New data from the University of Edinburgh, shared exclusively with , reveals a significant increase in outlets selling vapes throughout Scotland.
Due to the absence of a licensing system, retailers only need to register on a Scottish government online portal to legally stock vaping products.
In 2020, there were 5,573 shops selling vapes in Scotland. By 2024, this number rose to 7,069, marking a 28% increase.
This growth of approximately 1,500 outlets has been unevenly distributed, with a concentration in Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Greenock: Scotland’s Vape Retail Capital
Greenock was selected for further examination as its town centre reportedly has the highest density of vape-selling shops per capita in Scotland, significantly surpassing other areas.
It is also among the most deprived regions in the country.
A brief walk along one of Greenock’s main streets reveals the prominence of vaping retail. At least 20 outlets selling e-cigarettes were counted within the town centre, excluding the nearby prison, which is also registered to sell vapes.
Some establishments are dedicated exclusively to vaping products, while others, such as phone repair shops and convenience stores, have incorporated vapes into their inventory.
Local Perspectives on Retail Changes
The shift in retail focus has not been universally welcomed by local residents.
Edna Thornton, a lifelong Greenock resident who previously worked behind the bar at the local football team’s social club, expressed disappointment with the town’s current state.
"This used to be a lovely town. But it's rubbish now," she said.
Despite cruise ships regularly docking in Greenock, a common complaint is that passengers immediately travel to Glasgow or Edinburgh by bus.
"There's no shops for them to shop in apart from vape shops, second-hand clothes shops, and that's about it," Edna added.
David Miller, a builder and vape user, offered a more understanding view of the changes.
"There are probably too many shops selling vapes, but you'd rather have something than nothing," he said.
He noted the prevalence of empty retail spaces and questioned what types of shops would open if vape retailers were not present.
"If it wasn't for vape shops opening what sort of shops would open? Look at how many shops are just sitting empty. Would you rather have a high street that's just empty shops?"
Nonetheless, most people interviewed felt the number of vape outlets was excessive.
Even two shop owners selling vapes acknowledged that too many businesses in Greenock are moving in this direction.
Concerns were also raised about a recent fire at Glasgow Central Station, which originated in a vape shop. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Research Insights on Vape Retailer Growth
Professor Jamie Pearce, who led the University of Edinburgh research tracking the increase in vape retailers, described the rise as "rapid" in recent years and highlighted a concerning pattern.
"Neighbourhoods that have high levels of deprivation seem to have a particularly high number of vape retailers, and they've been increasing," he said.
Pearce attributes this to a large number of users in these communities combined with a high concentration of convenience stores, creating profitable opportunities.
Research from the University of Edinburgh indicated that in September 2022, the average profit margin for vapes was approximately 37%, compared to 8.5% for tobacco products.
Pearce cautioned that increased availability could normalize vaping, although the vaping industry notes that research suggests vaping is less harmful than smoking.
"It could well be seen as a positive if existing smokers were changing habits. But I am particularly concerned that more outlets will lead to more children taking up the habit," he said.
He also emphasized that the long-term health effects of vaping remain unclear.
"I think we need to be very concerned because of the unknown damage this could be doing to children's health," Pearce warned.
The academic suggested that implementing a licensing regime similar to that for alcohol sales could yield health benefits, including limiting the number of outlets in specific areas.
Industry Perspectives and Regulatory Considerations
Some vape retailers share concerns about youth vaping. Richard Begg, representing VPZ, which operates around 200 shops across the UK, spoke from the company’s Kilmarnock branch.
Kilmarnock’s high street resembles Greenock’s, with numerous vape retailers.
"Youth vaping has reached a 'crisis' point, and many products available on the high street are low quality," Begg stated.
"[These shops] would never get away with selling alcohol, so why are vapes allowed to be sold everywhere?"
Single-use vapes were banned across the UK last year, but Begg noted that the availability of inexpensive, technically refillable and rechargeable products leads consumers to discard and replace them frequently.
"You go and spend a couple of thousand pounds and you double, or triple, your money. It's absolutely a cash cow," he said, attributing the growth of vape retailers primarily to profitability.
Recent legislation passed by MPs has tightened vaping regulations. Proposed policies in Scotland, particularly in the context of the ongoing election, may result in further changes.
It is also possible that the market will reach saturation, limiting the opening of new vape shops due to insufficient consumer demand.
Nonetheless, the current trend is clear: an increasing number of retailers are turning to vaping products, which remain straightforward and lucrative to sell.
As the number of outlets grows, so do concerns regarding the potential implications for public health and social inequality.
Data visualisation and additional reporting by Andrew Picken
