Vapor Digest #3 The Trade Publication For The Vapor Products Industry
Issue link: http://vapordigest.epubxp.com/i/442928
35 Geoff W. Habicht is President & COO of Smoking Vapor and open the new stores in early 2014 we engaged our customers and leveraged those relationships in thedevelopment of the store environment. Our primary goals for the stores were to have a space that accomplished three things to enhance the customer experience. (1) Be an inviting and friendly retail service center for our customers, (2) Provide product and industry education with a professional and knowledgeable staff, (3) Be a collaborative engaging environment for real-time feedback for our new product development efforts. With our core demographic, there is an impression of vape shops as "scary" or "intimidating". We decided we had to create something that dispelled that myth and was bright, non-threatening and inviting. Over several months we walked various retail stores in a variety of industries and kept returning to the Apple Store concept. Using that as inspiration, we designed the stores to have lots of natural light and not be over crowded with too much product. Adding touches of color to dedicated areas for specific products made it easier for customers to browse. We finished off with track lighting, butcher block countertops and hardwood floors, which created a soft inviting space that encourages customers to engage in conversation, experience products and feel comfortable asking questions. The response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive; this has further enhanced our existing relationships and expanded local awareness. As loyal customers share their experiences with others we are seeing growth month after month. Our entire team looks forward to wowing our customers and delivering happiness every day. Over the past six months we have opened four new stores utilizing this format and have plans for two more in the coming months. Smoking Vapor is a manufacturer, distributor and retailer of vapor devices, e-liquids and accessories under the SV ™, SmokingVapor™, and ZONG!® brands based in Phoenix, Arizona.