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haparnold

Lifer
Aug 9, 2018
1,561
2,389
Colorado Springs, CO
Just a little testimonial on how awesome Brick and Mortar tobacconists are:
I stopped by my local B&M this afternoon, and even though I was convinced I had looked the place over from top to bottom several times, something caught my eye today: four dusty tins of Butera Royal Vintage from 2008. I bought them for the princely sum of $11.95 each (that's the 2008 sticker price), and they are now resting comfortably in my cellar.
All those times I paid $17 for a tin of Escudo are worth it when I randomly come across something produced by McClelland, or a couple spare pounds of Esoterica, etc.
I would not call this particular store super well-stocked (they don't even carry C&D or GL Pease, and mostly deal in re-branded Lane aromatics), but even still, it's good for pipe smokers with the luxury of a physical store to do their part to keep 'em in business. Occasionally you'll even find a bargain.

 

ray47

Lifer
Jul 10, 2015
2,451
5,610
Dalzell, South Carolina
I support my local B&M when I can. Their not much on pipe related stuff, but their trying. I tend to make recommendations when I feel their interested. The store is run by women, but that's not said in a bad way. Their trying to learn, so I'll give them credit. One of the women even asked me for my Pipes & Cigars magazines when I'm finished looking thru them.

 

alexnc

Part of the Furniture Now
Oct 25, 2015
953
804
Southeast US
I wrestle with this. I want to support my local B&M, I even pay more for the same things just so that I do occasionally. But generally the difference is considerable and the selection is underwhelming. Mac Baren Navy Flake for instance is $32 + tax vs $18 + $4 shipping, or Solani 633 is $23 vs $13. I'm having a hard time staying the course. Occasionally I buy some bulk, but it's still far more $/oz. Plus I already have a vastly more extensive selection at home. Not to mention pipes are $50 to $75 more than I can buy online each. I'll keep stopping in and buying a little bulk and cleaners - but like I said, I wrestle with it even though I like the owners a lot and am motivated to support them.

 

haparnold

Lifer
Aug 9, 2018
1,561
2,389
Colorado Springs, CO
But generally the difference is considerable and the selection is underwhelming.
I agree 100%, alexnc. I probably buy 70% or more of my tobacco and all my pipes online, but I do try to continue buying from my B&M, even if it's just little things like pipe cleaners, or Lane 1-Q (which I smoke very little of), and I try to buy a tin every couple of weeks or so.
It's definitely more cash outlay, but to me it's worth it. And when they get their annual shipments of things like Esoterica and I have a few weeks to decide whether I need another pound of Penzance or not, it's well worth it (not to mention they'll call me and ask if I want them to put some aside for me). But I'm also not immune to the differences in price. I've never bought a pipe there, and you better believe I'm not shelling out $1000+ for a Dunhill Cumberland. I like those guys, but I don't like 'em that much.

 

okiepiper

Might Stick Around
Jan 4, 2019
54
0
The only worthwhile tobacconist is 1.5 hours from where I live. The little smoke shop here in town carries bulk 1Q, BCA and 3 other Lane aromatics for $5/ounce. I wish I had a B&M option but it is all online.

 

pipestud

Lifer
Dec 6, 2012
2,010
1,749
Robinson, TX.
I know this probably sounds strange coming from a guy who makes a living selling pipes and tobaccos online, but I absolutely am a huge fan of the B&M Tobacconists. There is nothing, IMO, that can compare with walking into a "real" pipe shop and visiting with caring and knowledgeable employees who strive to make your stop a memorable one. And being able to - in some shops - sit down and enjoy a bowl with perhaps a fellow pipe smoker or two, is very relaxing and just flat fun. While I try to make my online shop as personable as possible, there is no way I can compete with the atmosphere of a real pipe shop. I absolutely support and salute the B&M's that are still with us. Whenever I visit a city that has a pipe shop and I have the time, I will go there before even trying to find a good place to eat!

 

npod

Lifer
Jun 11, 2017
2,942
1,024
How timely! I was at my B&M today and BAM! I looked in the drawer when he wasn't looking and there were two tins of McClellands Black Woods and British Woods just sitting there. I already had a tin of Scottish Woods with me to open for the group. But wow, two awesome extinct blends just sitting in the bottom of the drawer. He sold them to me at cost. I opened them up and we all had a blast.

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snoopy311

Can't Leave
Dec 21, 2016
402
155
Those who have a B&M I consider you fortunate. Nothing around me in a 2 hour radius. Hence online shopping only for me.

 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,433
For the higher price at a brick-and-mortar shop you get support and information, and in-person looks at a good selection of pipes. When they're gone, you "got" nothing.

 

maduromadness

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jan 3, 2014
249
1,797
California
I used to work at one of the best local cigar and pipe shops in my area. I revisit from time to time and smoke a cigar and grab a tin or two, occasionally a pipe. The cost difference is a hindrance. I'm lucky to live in southern california where there are plenty of cigar shops, but ones that carry good pipe commodities is a little harder. Money is one issue by sitting in traffic to pay more money is the main deterrent. It is really nice to see the pipes before you buy. Tinderbox is awesome if you've never been to one.i focused on the aged tins to feel I get my monies worth. I've been lucky too in finding McClelland, butera, and expensive esoterica.

 

kyriefurro

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jul 14, 2013
223
3
We used to have a small B&M here in town that I liked to visit every now and then for my various sundries. They carried a wide assortment of bulk tobacco as well as 15 - 20 different tinned blends that they regularly carried. They also made it a habit of ordering a couple of tins of new blends whenever they placed their order.
Unfortunately the owners decided to retire and sold the shop about three years ago. The guy who bought it runs a head shop - glass pipes, hookahs, and all sorts of "herbal" smoking supplies. Sadly, it turned into just the sort of disaster you'd expect. As he sold out of the good inventory, he replaced it with cheap Chinese knockoffs. He carries a handful of bulk tobaccos and a few tins. At first he kept the tobacco side of the store separate from all the glass, but the last time I was in there he had it all mixed up. After several visits where I left empty handed, I've sadly given up. Haven't been back for several months now.

 
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