
Nanaimo is now home to the only specialty smoke shop north of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Steve Wall recently opened Smoke Rings Cigar & Tobacco Company on Church Street, adjacent to the Dorchester Hotel. The store specializes in cigars from around the world, as well as pipe tobacco and smoking accessories such as humidors, pipes and cigar cutters.
“The shop is intended for discriminating smokers who smoke for the enjoyment of it, and not for those who are addicted to tobacco,” Wall said.
“A lot of people live between Duncan and Courtenay/Comox and I thought a specialty smoke shop in Nanaimo would do well. Word seems to be spreading fast and I’m pleased to say business has been good so far.”
Smoke Rings Cigar & Tobacco Company
7-70 Church Street
Nanaimo BC V9R 5H4
250-591-5050
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Written by Kevin Godbee
Publisher & Founder of PipesMagazine.com
Certified Master Tobacconist (CMT) #1858 from TobacconistUniversity.org
My grandfather didn't smoke a pipe, but my uncle and some of my elementary school teachers did. In 1998, my neighbor Sam invited me out, and we ended up back at his place where there was a cigar humidor, and pipe rack on the coffee table. I had my first cigar, and then decided to try pipes too. I love the elegance and relaxation of smoking a pipe. In 2002, I started learning how to make websites, do SEO, and create content. I had a cigar content site and forums from 2005-2008 when it was bought out. In 2009, I launched PipesMagazine.com, which is now the largest, busiest community forums, and article content site for pipe and tobacco enthusiasts. We have one of the longest running pipe and tobacco focused podcasts since 2012 with lifetime industry veteran, Brian Levine.
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It’s good to see that there is still an opportunity for B&M tobacco retailers. I guess the marketing has to be spot-on for success though. I hope the business flourishes.
Hey, that’s good news! Of course, I’m lucky enough to be in Victoria, but they may stock some of the blends that I can’t get in town. I hope they establish a web site so I can see what they offer and maybe justify the trip.
Now, if only Nanaimo was a tax-free zone… 😛
Simon
I too will have to stop in on my next trip across the strait – hopefully the government doesn’t try and come down on them too hard, forcing keep all their wares under cover (older shops are still allowed to display their wares due to a “grandfather” clause, but new ones are hooped. You should see the funky bulk tobacco section they are building at Habana Cubana in Port Moody to get around this).
Now if only they could find a way around the no-smoking in the so-called Cigar Lounge law, I would be one happy camper.
I lived and worked in Nanaimo many years ago. Beautiful place, and it’s really nice to see such a fine store. I can imagine enjoying a bowl of heaven by the sea….
Good for you Canada, eh ?
Hey Steve. Wish you nothing but the best in your new endeavor. Nanaimo can count its blessings to have a guy like you as a businessman in their town. I know you will do well there.
Thanks for the head’s up!