Electronic Cigarette Sales Going Through the Roof in the UK

In early August two of the UK's leading electronic cigarette retailers released sales numbers for the first half of 2011. According to those numbers, sales were up to the point where both retailers were projecting they would shatter annual sales records previously set in 2010. Both also noted no end in sight to the increase in sales, as more and more smokers in the UK are turning to the electronic alternative.


To date the UK remains one of the most vaping-friendly countries in the world. As a result, smokers can use the cigarettes almost anywhere in public without fear of breaking the law. This has resulted in record numbers of smokers switching to e-cigs on a daily and weekly basis. All of this works together to drive up the sales and set new records for e-cigarette retailers.

"Nudging" Sales Higher

Just a few weeks ago the UK government's nudge team came out with an official statement amounting to a ringing endorsement of electronic cigarettes. According to the team, electronic cigarettes are the best replacement for conventional tobacco on the market. They should be fully embraced and supported by the government and the British people alike if the UK is ever to rid itself of the toxins of tobacco.

To the average consumer this might have been good news simply in light of the fact that electronic cigarettes help smokers get around the nationwide smoking ban. But to electronic cigarette manufacturers and retailers, it was pretty much a blank check. With the UK government's endorsement, they are now expecting sales to increase to even greater heights than they were expecting just three months ago. It is actually one of the rare cases where government intervention has been a good thing for sales.

Elsewhere in the World

While the UK easily leads the world in electronic cigarette purchases, the United States is not far behind in second place. The sheer buying power of that country means that electronic cigarette sales in the U.S. are also going through the roof. Just like the UK, many retailers are expecting to set new records in 2011 without even breaking a sweat. Thanks to dynamic web marketing and word-of-mouth recommendations, U.S. retailers are enjoying a good year.

All is not well everywhere, however. There are a few places, like Canada and Ireland, where electronic cigarettes are completely banned. Users in those countries must find alternative methods for getting e-cigs and their accessories. For obvious reasons, sales in those countries are down drastically. Nonetheless, smokers who want to switch to electronic devices will apparently find a way to get them wherever they live.



As sales continue to increase there seems to be no end in sight for the future of electronic cigarettes. Thankfully, the UK has played a huge role in this. Hopefully, she will continue to lead the way as electronic cigarettes again acceptance in more and more places around the world.