Tobacco Business

[ T O B A C C O B U S I N E S S . C O M ] TOBACCO BUSINESS [ 77 ] monthly cigar subscription category, Doyle and Rotem tried to identify gaps in the market and tried to figure out what they could offer that would be new and better than what was already being offered. 2020 was a challenging year for Luxury Cigar Club because of COVID-19, and the pandemic challenged the business in ways Rotem and Doyle couldn’t imagine. From supply issues to shipping issues, there were obstacles that had to be overcome at every turn, and survival meant these two tobacconists had to think outside of the box if they wanted to provide the same quality product and experience that the club’s members had come to expect. “We do not compromise. The overall impact [of COVID-19] on the business was very positive. The demand for cigars, and for premium services in general, seemed to increase dramatically, and by being flexible, creative and diligent, we managed to grow our business,” Rotem shares. Having a successful monthly cigar subscription service comes with its own challenges, but some of the lessons learned along the way can benefit all tobacconists, including those looking to make the move to e-commerce and those hoping to build a customer base outside of their store’s walls. Best of the Best Much like all tobacconists, the biggest challenge Luxury Cigar Club faces is getting all of the inventory it needs to sustain its business. A large amount of cigars is needed for the monthly boxes that are mailed out—and not just any type of cigar but those that are limited production, aged or exclusive cigars. These cigars are often made in small quantities, and it’s not been easy for Luxury Cigar Club to acquire enough for all of its members. This is related to another issue: growth. Luxury Cigar Club has grown exponentially in a short amount of time, with more cigar smokers attracted to the idea of having cigars delivered to their doorsteps each month, especially during the pandemic. The growth of the club has forced Doyle and Rotem