Opportunity At My B&M

curtiscr79 · January 2015

rsherman24 · January 2015

I see all of the posts on Halfwheel about new regulations and smoking bans constantly being put in place. I always think in the back of my mind that it will be the downfall of the B&M shops. Of course, there are always ways around the legislature to stay a step ahead. Sounds like a great opportunity to get your feet wet and see what the business has to offer.

avengethis · January 2015

Regarding smoke free environments...here in Wisconsin B&M stores that were existing when the smoking ban went into effect were allowed to get an exemption to still allow smoking in the stores. New stores though cannot allow it.

raisindot · January 2015

If I were you, I personally wouldn't stake my future on the B&M world. Not because of the regulations, but because of the Internet. I think most tobacco B&Ms are going to go the way of smaller bookstores, video stores and other special interest retailers that have been "extincted" by online retailers. Up here at least 90% of the tobacco stores and cigar bars have gone out of business in the past 10 years. To survive, B&Ms are going to have to diversify their product lines, much like C.com is now doing with its new food products.

avengethis · January 2015

raisindot:
If I were you, I personally wouldn't stake my future on the B&M world. Not because of the regulations, but because of the Internet. I think most tobacco B&Ms are going to go the way of smaller bookstores, video stores and other special interest retailers that have been "extincted" by online retailers. Up here at least 90% of the tobacco stores and cigar bars have gone out of business in the past 10 years. To survive, B&Ms are going to have to diversify their product lines, much like C.com is now doing with its new food products.

I guess looking at it, if he is starting out part time it can allow him to see more of how the business is doing and give him the opportunity to get out easily if need be or if things stay steady and supportive then you look at investing in the opportunity.

curtiscr79 · January 2015

MorganGeo · January 2015

Bob Luken · January 2015

curtiscr79 · January 2015

Bob Luken · January 2015

webmost · January 2015

curtiscr79 · January 2015

Hays · January 2015

Man, to answer your first question (which sounds like you´re already clear on, in any case), I think you´re doing the right thing by not quitting the full-time job. Truth is, even a successful small B&M probably isn´t going to pay what a decent full-time gig doing just about anything else would - it´s just retail work. With that said, don´t close your mind to the possibilities that come with working there! You are developing your connections and experience within the industry and there are MANY places that can take you, outside of the typical B&M atmosphere. As has been mentioned, perhaps private clubs become the new thing, and being in-the-know will make you perfectly poised for movement in this direction. There´s also work within hotels/resorts that offer cigars, cigar events, brand sales, etc... a lot of ways to follow your dreams man, and stay within an industry that you love. Best of luck to you bro!

webmost · January 2015

Puff_Dougie · January 2015

jsnake · January 2015

These same thoughts have kept me from jumping in with both feet. With so much uncertainty about what the future will bring because of the ongoing fight to strip our freedoms it is a huge leap of faith.