Tag: Mutter

  • VPZ Opens 5 New U.K. Stores Since End of Lockdown

    VPZ Opens 5 New U.K. Stores Since End of Lockdown

    One of the largest vaping retailers in the U.K., VPZ, has announced that it has opened five new stores since the end of lockdown restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The new stores are located in Helensburgh, Port Glasgow, Castlemilk, Glenrothes and Farnborough, bringing its total footprint to 159 stores and creating 15 new jobs.

    Doug Mutter
    Doug Mutter/Photo: VPZ

    Since lockdowns ended in April, the company has seen a 165 percent increase in first-time vapers kit sales. The demand has been driven from smokers having no access to National Health Service (NHS) stop smoking services and vaping retailers being closed due to not being classed as essential during lockdown, according to a press release.

    Doug Mutter, director of VPZ said, the company is spearheading the fight against the nation’s No. 1 killer: smoking.

    “The Pandemic has triggered an increase in smoking rates and the public health problem has been compounded by funding cuts for NHS stop smoking services and local support groups,” said Mutter. “This latest investment in our offering and expansion of our store footprint underlines our commitment to playing our part in regaining this lost momentum and helping the UK achieve its ambitions to be a tobacco-free nation by 2030.”

  • VPZ Announces Record Sales, Quit Clinics Launch

    VPZ Announces Record Sales, Quit Clinics Launch

    A major vaping retailer in the UK is launching a new vape clinic service with a goal of helping to increase numbers of smokers quit. The move comes as VPZ vape shops announced a 165 percent increase in “New to Vaping” kit sales in the first week of re-opening following the relaxation of Lockdown measures.

    VPZ store in Bruntsfield, UK
    Credit: VPZ

    The uptake and demand for stop smoking services underlines and re-affirms VPZ’s recent calls for vaping stores to be classed as an essential retailer during the Pandemic, according to VPZ director Doug Mutter. “We are investing to help smokers quit and to support the country in its ambition to be a tobacco free nation by 2030.”

    Following over a year of having no NHS stop smoking services available, the company has been inundated with smokers looking to quit since reopening its full estate of stores on 26 April, according to Mutter. The retailer has seen a huge demand for New to Vaping (NTV) kits since it reopened its 150+ UK stores, with an unprecedented demand for NTV kits in the first week.

    “With access to local stop smoking services and vaping retailers massively reduced during lockdown, thousands of smokers have been left without any services to help them quit,” a press release states. “Since re-opening its stores to bring customers a Covid-secure retail experience, VPZ has faced record demand from smokers looking for expert advice and personalized support to help them make the switch.”

    The quit clinic investment and recruitment drive are part of VPZ’s commitment to play its part in helping the UK achieve its ambitions to be a tobacco-free nation by 2030, set out by the Government in 2017. “VPZ is the UK’s leading vaping specialist and we are spearheading the fight against the nation’s number one killer – smoking,” said Mutter. “We are excited to be launching the Vape Clinic concept following strong demand and recognizing the need for an enhanced level of service since reopening our doors. The huge reduction in NHS stop-smoking services, through COVID-19 and local authority cuts have been devastating in the country’s efforts to reduce smoking rates.”