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. 2017 Jul;53(1):96-101.
doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.016. Epub 2017 Mar 9.

National and State Trends in Sales of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes, U.S., 2011-2015

Kristy L Marynak  1 , Doris G Gammon  2 , Brian A King  3 , Brett R Loomis  2 , Erika B Fulmer  4 , Teresa W Wang  5 , Todd Rogers  2
Affiliations

National and State Trends in Sales of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes, U.S., 2011-2015

Kristy L Marynak et al. Am J Prev Med. 2017 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, self-reported cigarette smoking has declined among youth and adults, while electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased. However, sales trends for these products are less certain. This study assessed national and state patterns of U.S. cigarette and e-cigarette unit sales.

Methods: Trends in cigarette and e-cigarette unit sales were analyzed using retail scanner data from September 25, 2011 through January 9, 2016 for: (1) convenience stores; and (2) all other outlets combined, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drug, dollar, and club stores, and military commissaries (online, tobacco-only, and "vape" shops were not available). Data by store type were available for the total contiguous U.S. and 29 states; combined data were available for the remaining states, except Alaska, Hawaii, and DC.

Results: During 2011-2015, cigarette sales exhibited a small, significant decrease; however, positive year-over-year growth occurred in convenience stores throughout most of 2015. E-cigarette unit sales significantly increased during 2011-2015, but year-over-year growth slowed and was occasionally negative. Cigarette unit sales exceeded e-cigarettes by 64:1 during the last 4-week period. During 2014-2015, cigarette sales increases occurred in 15 of 48 assessed states; e-cigarette sales increased in 18 states.

Conclusions: Despite overall declines during 2011-2015, cigarette sales in 2015 grew for the first time in a decade. E-cigarette sales growth was positive, but slowed over the study period in assessed stores. Cigarette sales continued to exceed e-cigarette sales, reinforcing the importance of efforts to reduce the appeal and accessibility of cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Cigarette and e-cigarette unit sales, U.S. 2011–2015
Note: Unit sales per 100,000 people. AOC, all other outlets combined; C-store, convenience stores.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Year-over-year (YoY) change in cigarette unit sales, U.S. 2013–2015
Note: YoY change is the percentage difference in cigarette unit sales in the indicated period compared to the same period 1 year earlier. AOC, all other outlets combined; C-store, convenience stores.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Year-over-year change in e-cigarette unit sales, U.S. 2013–2015.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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