I realize it’s likely a case to case basis but can you walk into the Country Squire for example and buy a tin on occasion that is sold out online?
Do Brick And Mortar Pipe Tobacco Shops Put Stock Aside
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I would assume a B&M that also sells online gets in X number of tins puts a number on the shelves and keeps some in the back room for online sales. Tins might sit on the shelf longer than those in the back room or, visa versa, depending on how sales go. I don't know if, they ran out of blend X in the back room they would mark it as out of stock or pilfer from the store shelves to keep inventory there, or not,
Mike S.
Mike S.
Yes. I’ve had proprietors put aside tins for me or call / email me when they get something they know I’m looking for. To get that you have to develop a relationship, stop in to visit and buy things from them on a regular basis when it’s definitely cheaper to buy online. Fair trade and we both enjoy a real face to face conversation. I’m gonna miss that when it’s gone, but it still happens. I had a gentleman in WA pull a tin of Penzance from under the counter not long ago with a wink, saying it just came in - months ago, but he was holding it for me. I spent $200 in his shop that day, including a pipe, and it was a real pleasure doing so.
That’s nice to hear. I do appreciate doing business like that and am willing to pay a little more for it... I called a tobacco shop earlier in NJ which I thought only sold cigars and was happy to hear they carried a few things (nothing out od stock elsewhere) that I would like to try and look forward to stopping by.
Iwan Ries has like every blend in stock in the shop even when it shows out of stock online.
I imagine it depends what state you’re in but how much would one expect to pay at a small tobacco shop that doesn’t ship for something not too in demand? 20%?
I just paid $20 for a tin of GLP Gaslight at a B&M because the owner was being helpful and I didn't want to walk out without buying anything.
I always pick something up if I go in, it could a tin of OGS or and oz of house blend and pipe supplies! Nice to support them. Good job!
Pretty true. Although it may be partly due to the way their web site is updated, which falls into the "whenever I get around to it" category. Either way, they do seem to keep quite a bit of the good stuff stashed away for walk-in customers. That's really where their heart is. Last time I was in there, I was floored by their selection. It's all the blends people fight like cats and dogs to obtain online, just sitting there on the shelves.
People shouldn’t complain about small hardware stores, etc., closing if they’re not willing to pay a bit extra for what now seems like a social luxury.
Yes.
BUT, I have been buying 90% of my pipe tobacco and cigars at the same two local B&Ms since I began my tobacco journey in 1996.
BUT, I have been buying 90% of my pipe tobacco and cigars at the same two local B&Ms since I began my tobacco journey in 1996.
T
Tins here are $45 and up. I do my best to buy as much as possible at the local shop but sometimes it is hard.
I've got to hop on the train and check them out. I don't normally make the trek into the city but these guys certainly seem worth the effort.
The Briary does sometimes, but I don't think it is standard practice. They only have two guys there, and they have to enter things online by hand. I helped them out after (the owner) Skip and I became friends, and it takes a long time for them to enter things onto their website.
But, sometimes they only make some things available to their walk ins. It makes sense. Walk ins are always an opportunity to make more money.
But, sometimes they only make some things available to their walk ins. It makes sense. Walk ins are always an opportunity to make more money.
it's worth it.. for sure.
and the stuff they had in stock is stuff that is pretty much never in stock on their site like every Germain blend.. every F&T blend... etc. Esoterica wasn't on my radar at that time but I think they had that too.
I was surprised when the nearest b&m to me had plenty of Esoterica tins and bags that had been sitting on the shelf for a couple years. The few pipe smokers that frequent that place were only interested in aros and occasional Dunhill blends. Found some bulk SG and GH that every online retailer perpetually lists as out of stock as well. Its worth taking a look, for sure. Never know what's sitting around collecting dust somewhere.
Especially if you're looking for British tobacco.
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