I usually don't jump into people's conversation, but I found this one very interesting. I am very bullish on ECIG, but I agree with what Lpool is saying. Independent vape shops are popping up like crazy and do account for a very large market share, but because they don't report, it doesn't get counted. Again, I agree with most of what Lpool is saying about them, the problem for them though is new regulation, which will most likely be coming sooner than later, could make it very expensive and difficult for many of them to survive. I have taken Phil up on his offer to talk to him. One of the things I asked him is why they wouldn't acquire one or two of the leading vape shops that are starting to franchise and franchise them across the country. You could use that model to continue to grow the market that Lpool is talking about, especially when regulation comes and a lot of the competition there gets wiped out, while at the same time continuing your current strategy with mass distribution. Within the vape shops, they could offer their own product as well as the more personalized products that are being currently offered there and still use that personal touch that those patrons are used to.
His answer to me was that he couldn't speak to that because nothing about that has been made public, but then he said " I can tell you that everything is on the table." Take from that what you will, but I would not be surprised if you saw them acquire a vape shop or two and tap into that market that Lpool is talking about in the near future.
