Support Local Shops

[milehighpiper]

This thought just came to me after a recent visit at my local pipe and cigar shop...
While most online retailers offer a great value ($9 for a tin vs $13 at a B&M), I

decided to buy as many of my smoking products from my local shop as I can. I walked into the shop on a Friday afternoon to see some friends and try a new blend. I spent 3 hours there and I enjoyed three free samples of tobacco, three different non-alcoholic beverages, had several great conversations and laughs, learned a few more tips and tricks about pipe and cigar smoking, was able to peruse the pipe cabinet and check out a large tobacco and cigar collection, and all of this while it was below freezing outside. I purchased some freshly delivered Samuel Gawith tins and found out about some more pipes coming in this week.
The point is that you can save money by purchasing online but supporting a local shop and having all the knowledge and products a few minutes away far outweighs the benefit of saving a few dollars. With that said, there is always the exception of getting a blend or cigar that the local shop doesn’t have or carry. For instance, I have to get my Plum Pudding online since that is one blend my shop does not carry.
If you disagree, please let me know why. I have had nothing but positive experiences at all the shops I visit but you may have experienced something that made you not want to spend your money there.

 

[mikethompson]

There is really only 2 places locally that sell pipes and pipe tobacco. While I would love to support them, I just can't. A tin of anything is $50, and online from the states it is about a third of that. That of course is no fault of the shop, but it is what it is. Also, they have no idea about pipes or blends and can't really help me out. Their focus is more on cigars.
If the taxes on pipe tobacco weren't so punitive, and the sales staff were knowledgeable, I would go to my local B&M. Unfortunately that is not the case.

 

[jeff540]

Agree 100%!
Large online retailers have their place, and I'm very thankful to supporters of this forum. As you mentioned, I purchase those blends not available at my local shops, especially the higher quality bulk flakes and coins. But, I can only get my favorite Esoterica and similar popular blends at the local shop.

 

[warren]

I support local purchase only when it makes good financial sense. The service must be there or they'll not get my business. The same is true with on-line. But, to simply buy locally because it is local makes very little sense to me. I shop to purchase, not converse or drink. But, that's simply me. For those who desire conversation and such while shopping please ... try not to hold up the line.

 

[lestrout]

Yo mile - you do have some super B&Ms where you live. I see the price differential as similar to going to a nice bar/lounge for a cocktail vs. bringing the fixin's home and drinking alone.
hp

les

 

[davidy97]

MLB stadium beer prices vs Kroger/Walmart 18 pack prices. I can't afford to pay 2-3X online prices for B&M high taxed tins.

 

[mso489]

I think i've bought maybe ten of my pipes from my local independent over many years, and various tobaccos, mostly bulk, plus pipe cleaners and accessories. I'm glad to spend a few bucks more to do my part in sustaining the pipe culture and a small businessman, and a community merchant. I'm extremely lucky to have such within easy errand driving distance. I hope he's there for many years to come.

 

[wyfbane]

I try to. With the taxes here, there are only so many $25 cans of molto dolce I can afford... MacBaren tins are $32.50.

That of course is no fault of the shop, but it is what it is.

^This is true.
I do buy estate pipes from them now and then, though and I go to cigar events as time allows.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I buy most of my tobacco online. Not much in the way of local B&M available for me. However, I was in Raleigh, NC last week and visited Pipes by George on two occasions. Bought tobacco and also bought a pipe from him. Probably spent $250 altogether. I'm certain I could have purchased the pipe for $30 to $45 less but wanted to support George and his staff. I hope that helps them continue to stay open and provide a day time place to sit and enjoy a smoke when I visit Raleigh.

 

[scloyd]

There's a Tinder Box about 30-35 minutes away from my home. When I'm in the area I'll stop and chat with the owner and buy a few ounces of "their" blends and some cleaners. I don't stop because I need tobacco and cleaners. I stop because he's a friendly guy and I like to talk to him on occasion. I usually will spend $15-$20 a visit. It's not much but the small purchases add up at the end of the day.

 

[acidpox]

I would love to support my local B&M more, but sadly they cater more to the cigarette community. I do also smoke cigarettes and they have a great selection or ryo products that I do buy, can't beat a dollar a pack. Pipe wise they only carry a few Dr.grabows some cobs and a few pouches of prine Albert and sir Walter Raleigh, no tins of anything.

 

[jpmcwjr]

All for supporting real pipe shops. But within reason.

 

[fordm60]

My local BM is a small shop, very small. He is a very nice guy and he does know a bit about pipes. His help though, well they know you put the tobacco in the big hole. The store is heavily on the cigar side. I do not smoke cigars. I do buy pipes there if he has what I am looking for. I buy tobacco there if he has what I want. I really want him to succeed as there is nothing else for hundreds of miles. To be honest it makes more sense to be cigar heavy here. I think there is 3 other pipe smokers here lol. We are an oddity here, children stare as they have never seen one of us before. I agree with the OP help the local store if you can. I have been to a store in Sacramento that blew my mind! Hundreds of pipes, literally hundreds! More pipe tobacco, tin and bulk, than I could smoke in a lifetime! Knowledgeable staff, a lounge, leather chairs, TV, samples of tobacco and please sit and enjoy. That was an amazing experience. There is nothing like that anywhere near me. If there was I would be there quite a bit, might be good there is nothing like that here lol. I just out grew my local BM.

 

[milehighpiper]

Some good points I never considered! I can see various reasons why a B&M shop does not make sense to some. Like I said, I spent several hours at the shop, had a great time and purchased some hard to find tins and some cleaners. I did not need any of the items I purchased but I want to support the shop so that they are there for years to come.
And no worries Warren, the cash register is out front and I am in the back smoking, so I won’t hold up the line. :puffpipe:

 

[olkofri]

If the taxes on pipe tobacco weren't so punitive, and the sales staff were knowledgeable, I would go to my local B&M. Unfortunately that is not the case.

That, and the fact that in Canada it's illegal for shops to give free samples of tobacco, or to have smoking rooms (illegal to smoke indoors in public places). My local tobacconist is knowledgeable, but he can't offer any of the added value others in other places of the world can. I still buy some stuff from him from time to time, though, but not a lot.

 

[irishearl]

My local shop is 250 miles away.

 

[milehighpiper]

All of the reasons above is why I consider myself lucky to have such a great shop within walking distance. I will continue to support them as much as I can... within reason.