Cigar Lounges Archives - Cigar Life Guy

Howard Gumbs Jr. of Howard G Cigars: Interview

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Staff

Entrepreneur Howard Gumbs Jr. has never balked at a challenge, and after launching Howard G Cigars amidst the pandemic, he has never looked back. A true brother of the leaf, Howard is building his legacy with the All-Pro Series and his newest line, The Perfect Round. Howard talks to Cigar Life Guy about his start in the industry, smoking with Avo Uvezian, and the best part about cigar life — forging lasting relationships while enjoying a premium cigar.

Howard Gumbs Jr.: First Premium Smoke

Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.

Howard Gumbs Jr.: I’ve been smoking cigars for sixteen years. The very first cigar I smoked was Rocky Patel Decade 1990. I was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was with a gentleman named Duncan, a cousin of a business partner, and I remember smoking that at a place called Twigs, and that was my first time smoking a premium — a Rocky Patel.

Learning the Cigar Life

Cigar Life Guy: Tell us how you got started in the cigar industry. What did you do before, and how does it help inform what you do with your current business?

Howard Gumbs Jr.: I got in the cigar business differently here in Orlando. I had the privilege and honor of smoking a few days a week with Avo Uvezian. So, I’m in the cigar business because of Avo. One day, we sat outside together, and he said, “Howard, you should be in the cigar business.”

And I said, “Why do you say that, Papa,” and he said, “Because you love the people like I love the people.” It was a shocking thing. He believed me. About six or seven months after that, a buddy of mine said the same thing that Avo said. He had a brother who owned fifty percent of a factory. So, it went from mindset to putting it into action.

As far as business, I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I have multiple companies. The cigars started from that relationship, but it’s the same mindset as other businesses. It transferred to the cigar business because of all of the connections.

Cigar Community and Cigar Culture

Cigar Life Guy: You have stressed the connections you can make while sharing a premium cigar. What makes the cigar community and cigar culture so unique?

Howard Gumbs Jr: What makes it special is we have something in common. Typically, you’re not in a rush when you’re smoking a cigar. You’re gonna sit down, you’re gonna cut it, you’re gonna light it. You’re going to have a beverage with it.

Enjoy that time. You have forty-five minutes to an hour and a half where you’re relaxing. You’re not worrying about what happened at work, you’re not worrying about business, you’re not worrying about any other issues, but you’re just enjoying that cigar.

Many people I meet talk about the moment they get off work and the excitement just to come and smoke their cigars and socialize for an hour and a half. That is one of the things I associate with the cigar life. Also, you must always find out who you’re sitting down with. One of the things with the cigar community is you need to know who in the world you’re sitting next to. There are a lot of times I’ve had Fortune 500 CEOs sitting next to a janitor. We’re all smoking cigars. The one thing that we have in common is that leaf. No matter which cigar you’re smoking, we’re all sitting there enjoying it.

Launching During the COVID-19 pandemic

Cigar Life Guy: You started Howard G. Cigars in 2020 amidst the pandemic. What was that like? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Howard Gumbs Jr.: I only had a few challenges. What happened was the cigars were made in 2019. I wanted to release the cigar when I had the proper boxing. When the pandemic occurred and the world shut down, I was told, “Hey, there’s so many people stuck at home, why don’t you just get the cigars out?”

The cigars were ready, so I just got them out and put them in different packs of four. Then I looked at my database of personal friends — palates I trust, guys I know that they are serious smokers. So, I just took that time to send out the product. I sent out the product and asked for honest feedback. Take away friendship. Take away how you feel about me.

Nothing is going to hurt my feelings. If you hate it and think it’s trash, tell me it’s trash. Tell me if this cigar could be in your wheelhouse because you’re an experienced smoker. Those are the things that I did during the pandemic.

So, during 2020, when people were sitting at home, it launched us across the country just with friends. First, people said, “Hey, he said he was going to do something, and he actually did it,” and second, “The sticks were great!”. 87% of the feedback was exceptional. We knew we were on to something. From that point on, we decided to continue.

We take it seriously. So, we go to the shows where the large retailers are, to PCA. And we go there with the mentality that we’re in the game for the long haul.

We’re going to keep on expanding and growing. Our goal is always to get better by one percent a day and continue to create and build on lasting relationships and great products like the legacy brands that have come before us.

The All-Pro Series with Howard Gumbs Jr.

Cigar Life Guy: You have cigars commemorating former NFL stars Leon Searcy and Ike Taylor. How did you forge those relationships, and what’s the story behind the collaboration?

Howard Gumbs Jr.: There’s not a significant story behind it. Those are my brothers. I already knew that Black Moses would become a series, and Magic Stick would also become a series.

I also knew I wanted to do an All-Pro series, but when I had the idea, I wanted to ensure that my athletes seriously smoked cigars. It wasn’t just guys who smoked a cigar when they had a child or who smoked because their team won a championship.

I wanted somebody who appreciated and loved the cigar community. People smoke when the lights are not on, the cameras are not on, and nobody is looking. People that sit down and have a couple of sticks. That was my mindset.

So the first person I thought of was” Big Searc,” Leon Searcy. We smoked cigars together for years. Leon would come to my house, and in five hours of hanging out, seven cigars would magically disappear out of my humidor. He wasn’t taking cigars for souvenirs but smoking them (laughs). So I told him, “How about we do an All-Pro Series with Leon Searcy? You’ll be the first cigar in the All-Pro Line,” he said, “Howie, I love it!”.

From there, we went through his favorite cigars, found his palate, and created the perfect cigar for him. Once he gave the seal of approval, we shot a video and went ahead and put it out on the market.

Ike Taylor was a little different. He was a Steelers legend. The Steelers have one of the biggest fan bases along with my Dallas Cowboys, so I wanted to gear it toward that.

We went through forty different blends for Ike. Every time we narrowed it down, we realized Ike’s favorite wrapper was a Sumatran. So his blend is eighty percent Nicaraguan, but we added twenty percent Lancaster, PA tobacco because he is Steeler. So that was different.

Both cigars have been doing phenomenally well. We appreciated the love we received from Steelers Nation and the Jaguars because of Leon and his affiliation being a top fourteen Jaguar of all time.

Howard Gumbs Jr.: The Perfect Round

Cigar Life Guy: You recently released The Perfect Round. What’s next for Howard G. Cigars?

Howard Gumbs Jr.: Perfect Round is our golf line. Here in Orlando, where I live, the amount of golf tournaments we’ve been at physically or sent products to has doubled nearly yearly.

We have friends who play golf religiously. Some guys that out of 365 days, they’re playing a minimum of 200. That’s profound love. Tee time is typically seven, eight, or nine a.m., so we wanted to come out with a cigar to help you with the front nine and start your day. It’s a 52 by 7. It’s our first Dominican blend — very well-aged tobacco. The construction of the cigar is fantastic. But it’s a Connecticut Shade because we want you to start on the front nine with a milder cigar. Typically, you’re not drinking alcohol that early in the morning, so milder is best.

Once we get to the back nine, you tend to have had something to eat, and maybe you’ve had a spirit or two, so we wanted to strengthen the Back Nine. If you’re going to finish stronger on the back nine, we’re also giving you a more robust cigar.

The Back Nine has a Habana wrapper but the same binder as the Front Nine. Put them together, and it’s an eighteen-count box — nine Front Nines and nine Back Nines.

That cigar has done exceptionally well. We sold out in pre-orders at PCA. The reviews from that cigar in our official launch last week were incredible. We’re excited about that.

We’re excited about what we’re doing. Right now, we constantly have events lined up around the country. We’re just having a good time. Be on the lookout for things we’ll be bringing out.

Final Thoughts

Cigar Life Guy: Have we missed anything? Please tell us anything else you’d like the cigar world to know.

Howard Gumbs Jr.: We have our phrases at Howard G Cigars. “We got action.” is one. Another one is, “We’re slinging cigars,” and the last term is, “You want this smoke.”

Follow Howard on Instagram and check out the latest from Howard G Cigars here.

Photo credit: Howard G Cigars

Interview: Micky Pegg on All Saints Cigars

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Staff

When it comes to the cigar industry, Micky Pegg has done it all. After a brief hiatus, he launched his line in 2019. Pegg continues growing the All Saints Cigars brand with plans on expanding to the West Coast. Pegg talks with Cigar Life Guy about lounge culture, smoking with Kid Rock, and how the business evolved since he made cigar runs for senators.

Micky Pegg’s First Premium Smoke

Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.

Micky Pegg: One of my first memories was working for a senator on Capitol Hill. Back then, they didn’t have to pay interns. They would have you run errands, and when you ran errands, you got to keep the change because there weren’t Ubers. It was only taxis.

One senator sent me to Georgetown Cigars to fetch and bring cigars back. They liked a particular cigar, Juan Clemente; I don’t even know if they make them anymore. The cool thing was you got to keep the change because you had to jump in the cab, go to Georgetown, and come back. He always got an extra cigar, and I got to sit with the senator. It was like talking with the President of the United States at a pub- on speaker phone. It was pretty cool. So Juan Clemente and fetching cigars for a senator was my first experience. Then I started buying some of my cigars, and Georgetown Tobacco gave me a part-time job, which was awesome.

Micky Pegg: Life on Capitol Hill

Cigar Life Guy: You worked on Capitol Hill in college and made regular cigar runs to Georgetown Tobacco. You shared a cigar in the senator’s room. Who was the exciting person you smoked with?

Micky Pegg: Jeez, I’ve smoked with a lot of people. Interesting? I’ve been fortunate. Rock stars. Business moguls. The most interesting was Kid Rock. He has strong business acumen. It was in my old days at CAO. It was cool how much he loved cigars and how in tune he was with the business aspects of it.

And Hank Williams Jr. Those two guys know each other. And it’s the same thing. Hank Williams is like a big brother to Kid Rock. There were plenty of others, but those two because they were about cigar culture, the business side, and their smartness.

Launching a Cigar Line

Cigar Life Guy: You have said you enjoyed visiting retail shops as a sales rep. What makes a retail shop stand out?

Micky Pegg: I started working in a retail shop, then as a rep, and then as VP of sales at CAO. Now I own a company. I always loved it. I always say, “If you’ve only been to one retail shop, you’ve only been to one retail shop.” It’s a different culture, even for guys who own many shops under the same name. Every shop has its personality. I see the different personalities, talking to the people, enjoying a cigar, and creating ways to grow the business. Plus, all the banter. We all like the same things.

Cigar Life Guy: You have worked in various capacities for some premier cigar lines. What is different about launching your line?

Micky Pegg: A lot more work. A lot more on the table. You’re starting something and building a foundation. It’s completely different than taking something with a foundation and growing it (like I did before in the cigar world and the mutual fund world, where I was for a bit). So many critical little details need to get done, from keeping up with the tax situations in all the different states to ordering the inventory. All the other companies have specific people that did all these different practical things. Now it’s me and Frank Layo, my partner. He’s behind the scenes, and I’m more the “front of the house.” There’s a lot.

You’re always moving and working on things. That’s one of the reasons I keep going down to the factories as much as I do. You must stay on top of it to keep getting what we promise to deliver—everything from the packaging to the most important part, the cigar.

Micky Pegg on Cigar Lounge Culture

Cigar Life Guy: You have done it all in the cigar industry and have been in it on and off for a long time. How has the premium tobacco business evolved since you were in Washington?

Micky Pegg: The biggest thing is the lounge culture that has evolved with it. When I got in, most cigar shops were cigars, cash, and carry. Smoke shops were either cigar stores that sold pipes or pipe stores that sold cigars. And they were cash and carry. Very few people had lounges. In the last ten to twelve years, lounge culture has taken over.

And there are all different types of lounges. There are BYOB lounges. There are “on-premise” lounges, meaning they sell booze on-premise. Sometimes it’s just beer and wine. Sometimes it’s full service.

Then you have these smoking lounges that have a small humidor as an accent to the place. Then you have places that have larger humidors for full service. I’m trying to say that there are all different types of lounges, but everybody has a lounge component in their stores. That’s why you see so much on lounge etiquette. But it’s relatively new in the premium market. The lounge culture is relatively new if you go back to the boom chapter starting in the late 80s and early 90s. There were lounges out there, don’t get me wrong, but they were only here and there.

When I was in retail, if a guy had a lounge, the manufacturer or brand owner would not sell directly to that lounge. Instead, they had to buy it through a retailer, which would give them ten to fifteen percent off. So they had to rely on their liquor sales. But now that’s completely changed.

Growing the All Saints Cigars Line

Cigar Life Guy: What can we expect from All Saints Cigars in the future?

Micky Pegg: Growth! We’re working on it every day. Right now, I’m in the middle of a 25-day tour. We’re onboarding three new sales guys: one for Arizona, one for Southern California, and one for the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) of Texas.

This year is our third year in the market, but the first year was COVID. So we had two years with an asterisk. The first year we had 40 accounts, and now we have over 300.

We have four lines on the market and need people to smoke our cigars. Since the media has done an excellent job of giving us exposure, it’s time to capture that. We have had a good online presence, though. In fact, we spent the last couple of years on the East Coast and are now expanding to the West Coast.

Cigar Life Guy: Have we missed anything? Please tell us anything else you’d like the cigar world to know.

Micky Pegg: This started with Frank Layo and me. We’re excited about what we’re doing. We are all in. I don’t have a Plan B. I put everything into this business, and we will make it work. We’re very proud of our relationship with Rocky Patel because we use his boutique cigar factory, Tavicusa. Working down there (Esteli, Nicaragua) with guys like Amilcar and Gerber, who run the factory, is a pleasure. We love the relationship we have with those guys.

Follow Micky on Instagram and check out the latest from All Saints Cigars here.

Photo credit: All Saints Cigars

Interview: Cigar Mike Bennett

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Staff

You don’t get a nickname like “Cigar Mike” by being a novice. As a cigar consultant, event coordinator, and aficionado of all things cigars, Mike Bennett has been an ambassador for the cigar life for 26 years. With nearly 1000 events under his belt, his legend is building. Bennett lives to his name and talks about smoking as an experience, looking for maniacs in the industry, and creating all the elements of a successful cigar event.

Cigar Mike Bennett’s First Premium Smoke

Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.

Cigar Mike Bennett: I was at a buddy’s place; it was springtime. There were four of us. It was a double-date situation. We were hanging out, and my first premium cigar was a Don Tomas. So Don Tomas was my first foray into smoking premiums and just smoking, period.

I think I enjoyed the experience maybe a little bit more than I enjoyed smoking the cigar. It just continued from there. I started smoking occasionally. Then I found more occasions to smoke, and then bam, I smoke every day.

Cigar Mike Bennett: The Nickname

Cigar Life Guy: A straightforward and authoritative nickname like “Cigar Mike” must be well-earned. So how did you get it?

Cigar Mike Bennett: Well, I smoke a lot. That’s one way. The other way is I do a lot of cigar events. At one point, I was doing 110 events a year just working inside the industry.

But I actually got the name from a buddy of mine, Cedric Ward. I was hanging out at a cigar spot and introducing myself, and Cedric said: “Man, that’s Cigar Mike; you want to know something about cigars, ask him.” So we joked it off. And a week or so later, we were in a completely different spot with another set of people, and I was talking, and guys were like, “Oh, that’s Cigar Mike.” From there, it took on a life of its own. So someone heard it in the first spot, and then it took on a life of its own.

The trouble is living up to it (laughs). But I’m pretty good at that.

Mike Bennett: Cigar Ambassador

Cigar Life Guy: You are an ambassador for the cigar life. What do people who don’t smoke cigars not understand about cigars and the cigar lifestyle?

Cigar Mike Bennett: That’s an excellent question. The first thing is the misconception that it’s an old man thing. That you have to be 50 to smoke a cigar. I’m 51, and I’ve been smoking for 26 years. I started when I was 25, and it was a peculiar space because 25-year-olds were looking at me like, “What the hell are you doing?” And 45-year-olds were looking at me like, “What the hell are you doing?” (laughs).

I realized it was a microcosmic environment that people not in this world don’t completely understand. Once in the cigar world, it was like, ok, I’m a kid, and I’d get, “Look at the young fellow.” But there was a lot of information that was given. Guys asking, “Have you ever had this?” Or “Do you want to try this?”

We’re a welcoming world once you decide to be a part of it. But, unlike other worlds, we don’t solicit and encourage. Instead, we don’t go out and say, “Hey, Smoke Cigars. You’ll have a great life as we do.”

No. If you want to smoke cigars, then sit the hell down and light one up and let’s talk about it. That’s a big thing. We don’t care if you don’t understand; it’s if you want to understand.

Finding the “Maniacs”

Cigar Life Guy: You work with many new and up-and-coming brands. What do you look for in a brand to work with? And what advice would you give to someone considering launching a new business in the cigar space?

Cigar Mike Bennett: I look for maniacs. You’ve got to be a maniac to be in this space. You must be a function of pure passion and really want to be here. That’s what I am looking for. I ask myself, is this guy or young lady really committed? They’re really committed to doing this because you’re not gonna make a lot of money upfront.

You don’t jump into this business and become Rocky Patel or Pete Johnson. An overnight sensation in the cigar business takes about five years! That’s how long it takes for people to know who you are. So I look for people who really want to put in the work. I didn’t have a car when I was doing 110 events a year. Instead, I was catching the bus to my events, cabs, or Uber. If you’re unwilling to put in that, then it’s not much of a conversation. The fly by night: “I’m gonna be in the cigar business?” I wish you luck, but there’s really nothing I can do.

The Hustle

Cigar Life Guy: You have lived the cigar life for over 25 years, and your hustle is legendary. How many events do you think you’ve done? And how has it changed over the years?

Cigar Mike Bennett: I’ve been doing events for fifteen years. If I had to guess, I would say over 500, less than 1000. I would do some stuff every week — weekly and monthly events and everything in between. Events change, I don’t want to say dramatically. The numbers have grown.

I make it a point not to change my business model because I always want to be welcoming to somebody new to smoking but still endear the event to everyday smokers. These guys have been smoking for three, 10, and 15 years. So I want to be that common ground where everybody can exist and still get information. I call it cigar entertainment. I want you to be educated and entertained.

You don’t need someone saying, “This is this” or “That is that.” Nobody wants to sit in a classroom, and very few people want to take that class(laughs). But it speaks a little better if you’re having fun and you pick up on this information. That way, it’s manageable. So you come here, and it’s not, “I’m gonna get all this information.” If you want to sit and smoke a cigar. So be it. You give people fun facts, and they can do more research on that if they wish.

It’s the same thing with spirits. I like merging the cigar and spirits world. Because they do go together. Whiskeys and cigars. Cocktails and cigars. I try to bring in different elements. I’m actually doing an event with the owners of Greenwood Whiskey later today. They’re gonna be hanging out with me at a cigar lounge, and we’ll be sampling the whiskey with a cigar. Which is great — to have a whiskey you’ve never tried before and maybe a cigar you’ve never tried before. And the experience ties it all together.

The fun of it is in the journey. When people decide they want to be a part of the cigar life. You’re around people who are typically highly educated from all walks of life. A trash collector is sitting next to a CEO; they’re best friends. This is one of the sole environments where that happens daily. But, hey, we’re all here to smoke cigars. I don’t care what kind of watch you have. And I don’t care what type of cigar you smoke.

Fellowship means a lot because people leave their daily grind and want to kick back, spend ten or fifteen dollars on a cigar, and light it up. You want to enjoy that while avoiding talking about work. Be a regular person in a chair enjoying a cigar. You want to be around people you enjoy because if not, you can go home and smoke in your garage.

Endearing Customers to a City

Cigar Life Guy: Over the last few years, there has been an influx of new cigar events with varying degrees of success. What are some of these new entrants or promoters doing well? What are they missing or getting wrong?

Cigar Mike Bennett: They’re really going above and beyond entertaining their customers — anything from comedy shows, concerts, and events taking place during their cigar week for their city. That’s great. I’m not opposed to it but I don’t want to see River Dancing (laughs). I’ve watched it on YouTube occasionally. It’s interesting, but people are doing things and want to do something to endear people to their city.

I was in Houston, and they had a Scarface concert. What better representation of Houston, Texas, than Scarface? I’ve been on boat rides that were part of events from the National Harbor. Different things attach people to their city. And that’s what I like. So I go to New York for a New York state of mind, and I go to Miami for a Miami state of mind. So I want to do what people who live in that city like to do. Because if they’re enjoying themselves, consequently, I’ll enjoy myself.

I really enjoy being part of a lot of events. For some reason, people like me and trust me to entertain their crowds. And I’m really appreciative of that as well.

Signature Event Expectations

Cigar Life Guy: What should people expect at your signature event, the 2023 Atlanta Cigar Experience?

Cigar Mike Bennett: Honestly? Tomfoolery. Foolishness. A great deal of smoking and copious amounts of beverage consumption. We stuff 17 events in seven days, and foolishly, this year, we added a golf tournament — so 18 events in seven days. I want you to have as much fun as possible in my city. Literally, from noon every day till three in the morning, I got you. There’s something to do. No matter what time that plane lands, there is something to do. I want people to have a good time, enjoy themselves, go home, and return next year.

Follow Cigar Mike on Instagram and check the latest on the Atlanta Cigar Experience.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Mixing Business and Pleasure: Cigars and Work

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Staff

Whether you’re closing a sale, analyzing data, mixing concrete, or writing the next great American novel, you can mix business and pleasure when enjoying premium cigars.

Even before the pandemic forced many people into working from home, smoking a fine cigar and working were a winning combination.

Business and Pleasure at the “Office”

Before indoor smoking bans, the sight of smoke billowing from office doors was common. The Mad Men era may be over, but sneaking a cigar during work hours has never been easier.

The number of people remotely working has doubled in the past few years. It’s no surprise cigar smoking also spiked during that time. The benefit of remote working is you don’t have to rush a fine cigar. The workplace has evolved. Forget about returning to the office after a quick lunch break cigar. You don’t even need to wait until quitting time. Instead, you can savor a premium cigar- or two- during your work day.

If you don’t already have a custom smoking room in your home, taking a break to enjoy a Robusto is as simple as walking downstairs or out to the garage. With WIFI and cell phones readily available, you won’t miss a meeting or a deadline.

You don’t necessarily need a professional-grade ventilation system. So, grab your laptop and favorite cigar and convert your spare room into a hybrid smoking office. But, of course, you’ll want to crack a window, and there are plenty of options for removing smoke smells when the work day ends.

During warmer months, sitting out on the deck or in the yard with a laptop and your favorite cigar is an ideal way to spend a Monday morning. There are plenty of cold weather options for the winter months as well.

These days the office can be anywhere, including your local cigar lounge. Most lounges are the perfect spot for the working smoker. Daytime hours are typically quieter, and since so many others have the same idea, cigar lounges have become de facto offices. Many recent studies have shown increased productivity with the shift to remote work. That may be because of all that cigar smoking.

Productivity and Cigars

Freud insisted smoking was integral to his work. Mark Twain did as well. Old-time stage comedians like George Burns and Groucho Marx puffed their cigars to stall between jokes. Did cigars actually help them think? Many people claim smoking a cigar does just that. Naysayers say these are psychosomatic effects. It may sound like a myth, but every legend has a touch of truth to it.

Cigars have a meditative effect, too. Smoking a fine cigar provides the perfect time to relax, reflect, and relieve stress. These effects are no illusion. Studies have shown the hint of nicotine improves attention span and alertness and boosts energy levels and happiness. The same study showed an increase in memory and concentration as well. It’s no coincidence Mark Twain caught a case of writer’s block when he briefly stopped smoking. The old magic returned as soon as he resumed his daily cigar habit. Who knows? Maybe the quick-witted Burns and Marx owe more of their talents to their cigars than they thought.

We’re not suggesting everyone pick up a cigar to be more productive. Any reason is a good reason to enjoy a fine cigar. However, it’s no wonder some of the greatest minds came upon their best ideas in the company of a premium cigar.

So go ahead and mix business and pleasure — add that cigar to your regular workday routine. Better yet, add a couple. The “new normal” of the working world has created the time for it. Your boss might thank you for it.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Holiday Gift: How to Buy for the Cigar Lover

Posted on November 6, 2022 by Staff

So you’re looking for a holiday gift for the cigar enthusiast. The first question a cigar shop owner might jokingly ask is, “How well do you like the person?” That’s because there are plenty of options at a wide range of prices. You can spend as little as $10 on a gift. If you like them, you can spend plenty more than that.

Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or just because, shopping for a cigar smoker does not need to be a chore.

Novices and nonsmokers may feel overwhelmed when they first step into a cigar shop. They may get the same feeling scrolling through cigar catalogs online. Here’s a guide on how to shop for the cigar smoker in your life.

Holiday Gift Shopping Cigars

Experienced smokers can identify a cigar by its band, size, and color from across a room. To the newbie and the nonsmoker, all cigars look the same. However, newbies see oblong rolls of tobacco with an array of colored bands. Additionally, cigars come in different sizes, shapes, and outer wrappers. Finally, there are dozens and dozens of other brands.

Holiday gift shopping for cigars can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Where to Start Holiday Gift Shopping

Pay attention to your smoker. Noticing the size of the cigar is an excellent place to start. If you’re shopping in person, you’ll be able to narrow the scope of your search. Is the cigar short and thick or long and thin?

Peek at the cigar band if you can. Many cigar lines print their name on their bands or have identifiable designs and artwork. Then, you’ll at least be in the ballpark. Now it’s a matter of finding your seat.

Cigar employees are helpful, knowledgeable, and glad to answer questions. Boldness is challenging to determine because it can’t be identified simply by looking. Here’s where you’ll want to get an expert opinion.

Most cigar shop employees would advise you to err on the side of caution and go with milder cigars. If a smoker is not used to robust cigars, they probably won’t be able to handle a full-bodied cigar. However, someone who regularly smokes heavier cigars won’t refuse a mild blend.

Loose Sticks vs. Full Box for Holiday Gifts

If you’re wondering whether you buy loose sticks or an entire box of cigars as a holiday gift, it depends on how much you like the person. But, all kidding aside, the cost is a factor in cigars.

A box of twenty or even ten cigars will cost more than a selection of loose cigars. In addition, buying a box of cigars is risky if you don’t know the exact brand, size, and shape.

Cigars are agricultural products, and many shops, especially smaller ones, do not accept returns. Buy the wrong box, and you may be out of luck.

A wiser option may be to buy a variety of loose cigars. Of course, you’ll want to get advice from an expert. They’ll find a selection in the price range of your choice. Any cigar lover would welcome a mix of a half dozen cigars.

Gift Cards as Holiday Gifts

Consider a gift card if you know where your favorite smoker likes to shop (brick and mortar or online seller) or hang out but don’t know what they smoke.

Like any other retailer, most cigar stores offer gift cards. One advantage is your favorite smoker gets what they want. Another is if they are an excellent “shopper” and hunt for deals or watch for sales; if you get them a gift card, they stretch that face value more than what you’d pick out for them. The downside, like any other product category, is it just isn’t quite the same as a physical holiday gift you can wrap up (or, in this case, smoke right away!).

Holiday Gifts: Cigar Accessories

Cigar life involves accessories. Accessories make excellent holiday gift options if finding the right cigar proves too difficult or tedious.

Cutters and Cigar Lighters

You can’t smoke a cigar without a proper cut. But, if the smoker in your life is using a simple plastic cutter, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Whether choosing a scissor, butterfly, or V cut, a first-class cutter made with surgical steel, is a holiday gift any cigar smoker can use.

A lighter is an obvious essential as well. Refillable butane lighters can get expensive, but companies like Xikar and Colibri offer a variety of styles at different price points. Shopping for a lighter is more straightforward than shopping for cigars. However, there is a wide range of designs and colors.

Triple jet or double jet? Gunmetal or Black? Any shop employee can provide guidance. Reading online ratings is also helpful. Many companies make high-quality lighters that cost anywhere from $30 to $100.

Carrying Cases and Carriers

Frequent travelers, golfers, fishermen, and enthusiasts who take their cigars on the road can always use a carrier. These come in different styles and sizes. Some simple leather cases hold 2 to 4 sticks, perfect for the golf bag. Others are made of plastic and have solid seals and humidification sponges so cigars won’t dry out.

Humidors

Every cigar collector could use a place to store and age their cigars. Prices will vary based on size, the exterior woods, and the type of finish, either high gloss or matte; this may seem aesthetic, but a quality humidor is not only for storage. They make a fine centerpiece for an office or den.

When shopping for a home humidor, be sure it has a good seal and interior woods made of nonaromatic cedar. Most will come with humidification sponges and an analog hygrometer. Upgrade to a digital hygrometer if you like the person.

Buying a holiday gift for the cigar lover doesn’t need to be stressful. You don’t even have to visit your local cigar shop. Cigar Life Guy has shirts, hats, jackets, and more if you’re too skittish to visit a shop. All net proceeds — 100% — go to Operation: Cigar for Warriors.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Diversity of Cigar Lounges: Here’s What You’ll Find

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Staff

So that cigar you smoked at your best friend’s wedding became a once-a-day experience. You’ve started collecting cigars and purchased an at-home humidor. You’re a regular brother of the leaf. Everyone who enjoys a premium cigar is part of an exclusive club. Most smokers eventually look for a place to share a smoke with friends. From the high-end cigar bar to the cozy storefront club, you’ll find a wide variety of venues when smoking outside the peacefulness of your home. If you live in a small town, you might not have as many options as you would in a larger city. However, there are loyal cigar enthusiasts everywhere, so what does the diversity of cigar lounges look like today? Here’s what you might find when heading out to smoke.

Diversity of Indoor Smoking and Laws

Smoking laws these days are as complex and varied as tobacco tax codes. Many states have ordinances that ban the sale of alcohol in establishments that also allow smoking. Getting a license for food and alcohol sales often depends on a certain percentage of revenue from tobacco products. Private clubs are typically not subject to these laws but allow members to bring alcohol and food.

Know the laws in the area. They will often dictate the type of lounges you’ll find. For example, smoking accommodations run the gamut from first-rate service to the shabby and everything in between.

The Diversity of Lounges

Free Front-of-the-House Smoking

Many cigar shops allow “front of the house” smoking at no charge. These technically don’t fall into the “lounge” category, but they are worth mentioning. All some guys need is a comfy chair right in the retail space of their local cigar shop. They smoke the merchandise and talk up the newbies about the latest blends.

Front-of-the-house smoking might not be the right fit for everyone, but it is cost-effective, and there is a genuine sense of belonging when you become a regular at your local shop. There are plenty of drawbacks, however. Most shops that allow smoking have limited seating. Depending on local laws, many lack the proper ventilation and won’t allow you to enjoy your favorite stick with your favorite spirit.

The Retail Store Lounge

Many lounges connect to small retail shops. They charge a yearly or per diem fee and have various amenities worth the money. Regarding cigar lounges and cigar bars, there are plenty of choices and a wide range of quality.

The size, decor, and ambiance of a lounge matter if you plan on spending time there. You’ll know what kind of place it is by evaluating the diversity of furniture and the interior design. For example, are there leather chairs with firm armrests or ratty chairs with broken springs and burn holes?

You’ll also want to know how many members belong. For example, if the lounge has ten chairs for 200 members, you might be out of luck during busy hours or cold weather.

The No-Frills Lounge

These establishments may seem dumpy, but some smokers feel at home in a fusty old room with a pool table and video poker.

Since small shops are typically in the business of selling cigars, many pay little attention to their lounge accommodations.

The no-frills clubs may charge you for a day pass, but they are usually inexpensive. Here you’ll find a few folding chairs and a table or two. The room may be small and poorly ventilated. You might not want to bring that bottle of 100-year-old scotch. Chances are you’ll be drinking it from a red Solo cup.

If you’re traveling for business or want a quick stick out of the elements, there’s nothing wrong with these establishments. They can be quaint with plenty of locals and friendly staff. However, don’t expect a diversity of amenities. While they may offer yearly memberships, these establishments devote little time or money to their lounge atmosphere.

The Traditional Private Lounge

For the classic lounge, there is a range of choices. These lounges become affiliated with a storefront but typically provide a more comfortable setting for frequent smokers — a simple elegance with a quiet calmer vibe.

Owners of these lounges spend a good deal of time and money designing rooms devoted to smoking cigars. So expect a first-rate ventilation system, decor, and atmosphere more akin to a charming Irish pub.

Most have televisions, comfortable seating, glassware, and soft drinks. Since paying members are the only smokers allowed, finding a seat isn’t a problem, nor is dealing with crowds and foot traffic from customers buying cigars.

They often provide merchandise discounts and host events like Super Bowl Parties, poker nights, and holiday gatherings for members. Since owners work closely with vendors, you can also count on special events hosted by cigar companies.

Since membership costs extra, most places don’t mind if you bring your cigars, but it’s always nice to support a local brick-and-mortar store by buying from the humidor.

BYOB Cigar Lounges

Small shops are typically in the business of selling cigars, so most lack a diversity of licenses like selling alcohol or food. However, membership has its advantages. Since they aren’t private clubs, lounges allow members to bring alcohol and food.

Conventional lounges also typically offer humidified storage lockers for an additional fee, but basic lounges are inexpensive and provide a home away from home. Besides yearly memberships, they welcome walk-ins and travelers.

However, not all lounges are the same. Some BYOBs and private clubs cater to wealthier clientele, others to a more blue-collar crowd. Nevertheless, there are plenty of classy lounges that appeal to everyone, no matter what your income. In the end, everyone is there to smoke. As long as you know cigar etiquette, most places welcome new members and walk-ins.

The Full-Service Lounge

Like the BYOB lounge, a full-service lounge typically offers large modern televisions with cable stations, streaming, and sports packages. The furniture is comfortable and plentiful, and members prevent crowds from getting too large.

The difference is a full-service bar and possibly appetizer and entrée menus. These full-service lounges keep the private club feel, but many attract a diversity in clientele. Non Smoking patrons with friends who smoke are often welcome, so the crowd may not be just cigar enthusiasts. However, the draw is the freedom to smoke. A membership might cost a bit more than a traditional lounge, but expect top-notch service and a business that appeals to the cigar smoker foremost.

The High-End Cigar Bar

Although many cities outlaw smoking and alcohol consumption or at the least make it difficult or costly to get licenses, larger businesses can afford it. Cigar companies like Ashton and Davidoff have elegant, spacious venues in big cities like New York and Las Vegas.

They provide a full-service experience that focuses on the accommodations and the satisfaction of their members and patrons. Expect a bar fully stocked with top-shelf liquors and expert advice on pairing cigars with spirits. Depending on the region, they provide indoor and outdoor seating. Perhaps it’s the novelty of lighting up a premium cigar in a sophisticated setting, but novices, enthusiasts, and everyone in between patronize genuine cigar bars.

Diversity in Cigar Lounges: The Right Place and Time

Cigar smoking is a bond no matter where you decide to smoke. Part of smoking cigars is being open-minded. You’ll meet people of various backgrounds in various lines of work. Remember to keep politics and religion out of the conversation. Nothing spoils the atmosphere like an untimely political barb. From construction workers to Wall Street traders, cigar smoking attracts people from all walks of life. It’s part of the camaraderie of the hobby.

Some venues attract a younger livelier crowd, others an older one. If you’re looking to relax and watch the news after work, a lounge that feels like a nightclub might not be for you. Alternatively, paying a day fee at BYOB is a good bet if you want to network or share a smoke with a few like-minded individuals. Ultimately, it’s about comfort and what you want when you light your next premium cigar. There’s always a place with the right atmosphere for the moment.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Cigar Store vs. Online Cigar Shop: Which is Better?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Staff

We all know the internet changed the world and how the world does business. The cigar business was no different. Internet sales are a huge part of the industry now, but a true cigar enthusiast still loves the experience of heading to their local cigar store. Each has distinct benefits, but you don’t have to choose one. Cigar lovers can have the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of an Online Cigar Store

Convenience and Product Information

Like shopping for anything online, the advantage is you get to do it from home. Online sellers provide an array of inventory with thorough descriptions and colorful photographs. Often the information about a cigar’s blend, body, and construction is more detailed than what you might find on the shelf at your local cigar shop. This can be extremely helpful especially if you’re new to the cigar world or not sure what you’re looking for. Add in customer reviews and recommendations, and it’s almost like having a certified tobacconist at your disposal.

Cigar Store Selection

Sure you’ll find Arturo Fuente smokes at your local shop, but will they carry Opus X?

In most cases, small cigar stores won’t carry everything you’re looking for. For instance, Davidoff only supplies to select stores and requires an extensive vetting process before stores can carry their lines. Your average store won’t have them.

However, anything and everything is available online including rare and hard-to-find brands. Even a large retail shop can’t maintain the back stock or compete with the variety of premium cigars that online merchant’s offer.

Lower Prices Online

Online distributors benefit from high volume and low overhead. They don’t have to pay rent and utilities or staff like brick-and-mortar establishments, so they can afford to charge less. Plus, you won’t have to pay hefty taxes, as the online warehouses are almost always on low/no tobacco excise tax states. The state tobacco excise tax alone in some states can be 30% or higher. If you’re looking for a more economical route, shopping online is the answer, but don’t rule out supplementing your stash by visiting your local cigar shop.

The Benefits of the Cigar Store Experience

There’s nothing like walking into a cigar store. The personal greeting from the owner.The aroma of premium cigars wafting from the lounge. Stepping into the humidor and perusing the display of premium cigars. The benefits of shopping for cigars on-site don’t end there.

Immediate Gratification in a Cigar Store

One advantage of shopping on-site is immediate gratification. You can spend an hour browsing the selection and walk out with your cigars or even better light one up right after you get your receipt. There’s no waiting for deliveries, no chance of orders getting lost in transit, and no chance of receiving the wrong order.

Individualized Attention

Customer service online is excellent, but nothing beats talking with someone in person. Cigar shops are staffed with knowledgeable employees and most times certified tobacconists, who are always glad to steer you in the right direction. One of the best features of cigar life is talking cigars with experienced smokers. Need a good full-bodied cigar at a reasonable price? How about a short smoke for a novice smoker? Need a cigar to impress the boss or your father-in-law? Any good cigar shop owner can answer your questions and provide guidance.

Camaraderie and Smoking

Recently, strict smoking laws have not been kind to the cigar lifestyle. There aren’t too many venues to enjoy a fine cigar. However, many brick-and-mortar stores showcase lounges or at the least small smoking areas for their customers. Some may charge a fee, but in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, it’s always nice to sit down and share your smoking hobby among like-minded people.

You may pay a few extra bucks in person, but it’s a small price for the ambiance and genuine warmth you get when you become a regular at your local shop, and supporting a local business is always a plus.

Online or on-site? There’s no need to choose. Why not do a bit of both? There’s no harm in looking for that rare trophy cigar online, but shop in person, sit down, have a smoke, and talk cigars.

Photo by Kai Bossom on Unsplash

Cigar Lounge Etiquette for the Frequent Traveler

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Staff

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you’re never far from home or a premium cigar, if you can find a good cigar lounge. Practicing good cigar lounge etiquette is essential, regardless of where your travels lead you. Here are some tips to consider when taking cigar life on the road.

How to Choose a Cigar Lounge

Smoking restrictions will vary depending on where you are in the country or the world. Some cities allow smoking in restaurants and bars, and others restrict it to designated smoking lounges or private clubs. But if you’re traveling for business or on vacation looking to relax, avoid some of the flashier settings. Consider the size and what a place offers. Restaurants and bars that allow smokers might attract larger and rowdier crowds.

If you’re simply looking for a place to have a stick and sip on your favorite cocktail, traditional cigar lounges and local shops remain the best option. Since they are typically filled with paying members who are aficionados themselves, they are often the most welcoming.

There are apps out there to help you find smoke-friendly venues and Reddit and Facebook groups can provide information, but sometimes the best resource is your hotel concierge or simply asking a local. Asking a local can also help you avoid the trendy places you wouldn’t visit when you’re in your hometown.

Cigar Lounge Etiquette Rules Differ

Each lounge has its own policies. Some lounges will allow you to bring your own sticks, while others prefer you purchase a cigar on site. But conventional (cigar) wisdom says if you’re patronizing a store, it’s best to make a purchase. Don’t presume that because you’ve purchased a cigar, you can kick back and smoke for free. Since many lounges have paying members, some may charge a small smoking fee.

The same etiquette applies to booze. Some lounges and cigar clubs have fully stocked bars and serve alcohol, and others are B.Y.O.B. Phone ahead to find out store policies rather than showing up with your own bottle of bourbon.

Assume nothing. Be polite and simply ask. And don’t haggle the owner over policies and prices. Cigar life is about camaraderie and enjoyment. Most places graciously welcome tourists. Lounges, especially independently owned smaller shops, may even waive the smoking fee for travelers.

Each Lounge Has Distinct Atmospheres

Whether you’re in New York, Rome, or smaller cities across the country, every cigar lounge will have its own unique atmosphere.

When you sit down as a guest at a cigar lounge, read the room how Tom Brady or Peyton Manning would read a defense. Cigar life is about leisure and the satisfaction of a great smoke. If guys are settling in for the big game or watching the local news, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Don’t change the channel. Also, sometimes cigars are best savored in silence, so take your phone calls outside.

Smoking is a small exclusive community, but cigar smokers are not exclusive. Know cigar lounge etiquette. Respecting the regulars goes a long way to being welcomed as one of their own. There’s nothing wrong with making conversation. So share a drink. Talk cigars, football, baseball, maybe some business, but keep politics and religion out of it. Remember, local lounge members are there for the same reason you are: to enjoy a premium cigar.

Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy

Four Reasons to Love Cigar Lounge Communities

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Staff

The atmosphere in a cigar lounge brings people together. “Brothers of the Leaf” or “Sisters of the Leaf” describe lovers of fine hand-rolled cigars and their passion for each other. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, hundreds of thousands of cigar smokers have banded together online by joining virtual cigar clubs through social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, sharing pictures of their latest stogie. However, there’s a different energy when people physically come together to smoke cigars and enjoy the company of other cigar smokers in cigar lounge communities.

Unless you have your smoking room, places to herf indoors are few. That’s where the local brick-and-mortar cigar lounge comes in to offer refuge. Whether you’re an experienced smoker or just getting into the cigar lifestyle as a newbie, cigar lounges provide a haven for tobacco enthusiasts without worrying about the smoke police. Here are four reasons to love cigar lounge communities.

No Judgement in Cigar Lounge Communities

The magic of a cigar lounge is how it brings people together, whether they’re white-collar business people or blue-collar engineers. Beyond cigar talk, aficionados share life stories to further the bond of the Brotherhood of the Leaf (or Sisterhood). It’s not uncommon to hear someone letting off steam about their workday. The lounge community almost acts like a group therapy session in a way. Someone will usually listen to your story and offer their own. Once you walk through the doors of a cigar lounge, you become part of a community dedicated to the cigar lifestyle.

It’s always heart-warming seeing people from different walks of life come together under the banner of enjoying a good cigar. It’s equally heart-warming listening to discussions about the last stick they smoked while describing the flavors and aromas of puffing on a handmade artisanal product. Whether you’re smoking a $20 or more Davidoff or a $7 Charter Oak is irrelevant — cigar communities are a judge-free zone. It doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy what you’re smoking. Occasionally, you’ll get the “I only smoke Cubans” guy, but he’s probably not smoking a Cuban cigar in the lounge. In cigar lounge communities, it’s about taking in the luxury of smoking a cigar and sharing the experience with the peace of mind of knowing you’re among people as passionate as you.

Cigar Knowledge

There’s always something new to learn with cigars. The cigar industry is expansive, with new products coming out every quarter. Regular lounge goers are welcoming to rookie smokers, quickly inviting them to share their enjoyment of the leaf. Usually, the first question is, “What are you smoking?” before getting to know the new folks. These veteran cigar smokers have different palates and will share their cigar experience and recommend new stogies. If you smoke the same stick consistently, you can spread your knowledge among the cigar lounge communities and get someone else to try it. Then, you can compare notes after they puff on your favorite cigar. Maybe you’ll find something in the tasting notes you haven’t had before.

Cigar Lounge Community Companionship

Bonding over a cigar is one of the best experiences in a cigar lounge community. That people gather in the same room while sharing the same love of a niche activity creates a connection. Friendships and business partnerships can develop over a good smoke and drink. A good cigar lounge with a friendly atmosphere creates the perfect networking environment as long as you’re there to enjoy smoking with others.

Arguments are few in a cigar lounge. Discussions about sports teams can sometimes get heated. Still, most places try to avoid hot-button topics like religion or politics. At most, you’ll hear about excise taxes raising cigar prices. There may be some friendly ribbing, but that’s all done in jest. When you get to this point, you know you’re among friends.

Great Environment

A good cigar lounge will have a hospitable staff that regularly keeps the room clean, usually emptying the ashtrays hourly. Comfortable seating is a must. Sitting on a butt-numbing chair while herfing on a Churchill for an hour or two is no fun. A sound ventilation system is also essential to prevent the haze of cigar smoke from clouding up the room. Also, having air conditioning or heating makes everyone more comfortable. Music or TVs are often available. They provide background noise as long as they aren’t so loud that they drown out conversations. If a cigar lounge sells drinks or has a BYOB policy, it’s a big plus. All of this provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for smokers to enjoy.

Cigar lounges have a way of letting cigar enthusiasts drop their worries at the door and engage with other like-minded individuals looking to get away from daily stress regardless of race, religion, or creed. It’s a great place to join other smokers and escape life’s stresses in a casual environment. So if you find the lounge empty, call your friends! They’re probably looking for a haven to puff in, and cigar shops are more than happy to fill up their lounges.

Photo Credit: Cigar Life Guy

Six Things a New Cigar Shop Owner Should Do

Posted on October 11, 2021 by Staff

Cigar shipments are up and some in the industry are hinting at a second Cigar Boom following the original boom in the 1990s. The U.S. economy, despite a global pandemic, has been in a decades-long bull market creating unprecedented wealth for many. Borrowed money is cheap and easy relative to historical norms. More Americans are working remotely, giving them greater schedule flexibility. Together, you have the perfect recipe for a lot of very green, wannabe new cigar shop owners to enter the market. If this sounds like you, then there are a few things you must know to reap rewards and create your own cigar shop success story. Here are six basic business fundamentals you need to know to stay smokin’ happy and in business.

Who Opens New Independent Cigar Shop?

The owner of a typical new, independent cigar store* is someone with a mid-to-high income full-time job that loves cigars and thinks it would be fun to own a place. Obviously, these operators want the store to be financially viable and don’t overtly go into it thinking about it as a hobby, but the reason they’re in the cigar business is because they want to be in the cigar business. Income from the cigar store is not typically what pays the family’s monthly expenses. Variants on this include several individuals, typically friends, partnering on a store or a recently retired mid-to-high income individual that opens a store as a retirement business. A commonality here is that while they love cigars, have spent a lot of time in humidors, and (may) have some business experience outside of cigars; most of them have never really been in the cigar business before.

Find a Cigar Shop Mentor

“Mentor” has become a buzzword or cliché over the last decade or so but find someone or a small group of individuals that have successfully run retail cigar stores/bars/lounges and will share with you some of the marketing and operational keys to success. This person may or may not be in your market and may or may not be in a competitive situation with you. Focus on individuals that have a track record of success, have run similar scale operations (e.g., transferrable lessons), and similar backgrounds (e.g., outside work demands, family demands, shared values).

This isn’t a formal “mentoring relationship” like you read about in big corporate America. Your mentors may not even know you view them as mentors, per se. You don’t run an ad or post on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a cigar mentor. Good mentoring relationships develop organically because the parties genuinely like each other. Mutual cigar friends might be very helpful in making introductions. Spending some time at national or regional events is a great way to identify potential mentors.

Keep Regular Shop Hours

Some of you will think this is obvious, and it doesn’t need mentioned. Yet, for too many cigar shop operators, not opening the doors happens too often. Anyone who has regularly visited different cigar shops will tell you they are no longer shocked when they arrive at a locked door. You can’t sell anything if your doors are closed. Nothing frustrates regulars and potential new customers alike more than arriving to find a closed store. The potential new customers won’t give you a second chance.

Despite our social media- and Yelp-driven world of round-the-clock feedback, most potential customers won’t admit you’ve lost out. You never hear about the sales you missed; you can only guess. Not only do you lose the direct sales you could have made that day, but the value of a long-term customer. Obviously, genuine emergencies rarely occur, but it shouldn’t be the norm that the store doesn’t open on time. The most likely reason for the store not opening is a staff call out or no show.

As a side note on your hours of operation, while you don’t technically own the posted hours for your store on Google, Facebook, and other online websites, your customers rely on them. You can always blame Zuckerberg, but listing the wrong hours costs you money. Task someone with checking listed hours on Facebook and Google at least weekly and correcting any mistakes.

Hire Cigar Shop Staff

As the new owner of a shiny new cigar store, you may think there’s nothing you’ll love more than spending much of the week in the store. Even if you’re used to spending over 20 hours per week in the lounge as a patron, everything changes once you step behind the counter. As a patron, you can get up and leave any minute. If you’re working, you’re there. Unless you decide you’d rather be somewhere else and you to close the doors, which isn’t a good idea either (see “Keep Regular Hours” above).

You’re a high-income earner in your day job. That’s how you got the money to buy the cigar shop! Your time is more valuable than what the prevailing wage is for most of the cigar shop jobs. So, hire staff where it makes economic sense, which is most of the time. You should know how to perform all the roles and be a substitute, but for your quality of life, don’t make yourself live behind the counter. If the only way your budget works continuously is with very low labor costs because your staff primarily includes you, your partners, or family members working unpaid, then you don’t have a business. Instead, you have a hobby. Hope you’re enjoying yourself!

Keep Cigar Shop Humidors Stocked

You’ll hear all kinds of excuses for a light humidor, most notably “It’s not our fault! Manufacturer is out of stock!” In reality, that’s often a partial truth. It’s not unusual for a couple of items on back-order. However, if most are out of stock in the store, it’s because they weren’t reordered. Out of stocks directly cause lost sales in humidor. They also send a bad vibe to your customer base. It’s a message suggesting you don’t care or that you won’t be here long. A light humidor is often a precursor to a store closing. According to A.T. Kearney, out of stock levels are a critical item for nearly all retailers.

Focus on Cigar Shop Location

You’ve heard the mantra, “location, location, location” all your life. So, there’s no need to beat it to death. You get the importance of location on the success of any brick and mortar retail establishment. Yet, there are a couple of things to consider. Be cognizant of any current or potential future legislation risk affecting tobacco or alcohol sales. Second, be wary of a location that’s too good to be true. These are often home to multiple successively failed businesses. Don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember, many other operators that came before you failed in that space. Some locations just are not good for retail.

Know Your Numbers – Invest in a Point-of-Sale System

Many small retailers will think they can initially get away without a point-of-sale system and they probably can on the productivity side. They think if sales volume is slow enough, then they don’t need the operational efficiencies generated by a POS system. Unfortunately, this initial thinking drags on. The loss you experience in going without a POS system is not knowing what’s going on in your business. Your inventory management and profitability at the unit level reflect that loss. The data is the difference between guessing and knowing.

*Author’s note: This description of a “typical” store and owner is an archetype. It represents insight from interviews with countless cigar shop owners. Obviously, all owners will not fit this description in background or mindset. It also assumes a small cigar shop composed of usually 1-5 employees. That includes the store owner and employees.

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