Article
Details
Citation
Eadie D, Stead M, MacKintosh AM, MacDonald L, Purves R, Pearce J, Tisch C, van der Sluijs W, Amos A, MacGregor A & Haw S (2015) E-cigarette marketing in UK stores: An observational audit and retailers' views. BMJ Open, 5 (9), Art. No.: e008547. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008547
Abstract
Objectives: To explore how e-cigarettes are being promoted at point of sale in the UK and how retailers perceive market trends.
Setting: Fixed retail outlets subject to a ban on the display of tobacco products.
Participants: Observational audit of all stores selling tobacco products (n=96) in 4 Scottish communities, conducted over 2 waves 12 months apart (2013–2014), and qualitative interviews with small retailers (n=25) in 4 matched communities.
Primary and secondary outcome measures: The audit measured e-cigarette display characteristics, advertising materials and proximity to other products, and differences by area-level disadvantage. Interviews explored retailers’ perceptions of e-cigarette market opportunities and risks, and customer responses.
Results:The number of e-cigarette point-of-sale display units and number of brands displayed increased between waves. E-cigarettes were displayed close to products of interest to children in 36% of stores. Stores in more affluent areas were less likely to have external e-cigarette advertising than those in deprived areas. Although e-cigarettes delivered high profit margins, retailers were confused by the diversity of brands and products, and uncertain of the sector's viability. Some customers were perceived to purchase e-cigarettes as cessation aids, and others, particularly low-income smokers, as a cheaper adjunct to conventional tobacco.
Conclusions: E-cigarette point-of-sale displays and number of brands displayed increased over 12 months, a potential cause for concern given their lack of regulation. Further scrutiny is needed of the content and effects of such advertising, and the potentially normalising effects of placing e-cigarettes next to products of interest to children.
Journal
BMJ Open: Volume 5, Issue 9
Status | Published |
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Funders | National Institute for Health Research |
Publication date | 11/09/2015 |
Publication date online | 11/09/2015 |
Date accepted by journal | 04/08/2015 |
URL | http://hdl.handle.net/1893/22575 |
Publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
People (2)
Associate Professor, Institute for Social Marketing
Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing