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. 2017 Apr;3(2):174-182.
doi: 10.18001/TRS.3.2.5. Epub 2017 Apr 1.

Using the Vape Shop Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings (V-STARS) to Assess Product Availability, Price Promotions, and Messaging in New Hampshire Vape Shop Retailers

Amanda Y Kong  1 , Jessica L Eaddy  1 , Susan L Morrison  2 , Donna Asbury  2 , Kristine M Lindell  3 , Kurt M Ribisl  1
Affiliations

Using the Vape Shop Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings (V-STARS) to Assess Product Availability, Price Promotions, and Messaging in New Hampshire Vape Shop Retailers

Amanda Y Kong et al. Tob Regul Sci. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: This is the first statewide census of the product availability, price promotions, and product messaging of vape shops.

Methods: A comprehensive list of New Hampshire vape shops was developed through a previously validated online search method. Store audits were conducted in 55 stores between January and February 2016 using the Vape Shop Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings (V-STARS).

Results: Modifiable devices and cig-alikes were sold in 92.6% and 14.6% of stores, respectively. Cross-product promotions with tobacco products were rare, and messaging promoting e-cigarettes as effective cessation devices was found in 27.3% of all stores. Candy/fruit and menthol e-liquids were most commonly found in stores, and sampling of products was available in 83.6% of stores. Ten (18.2%) stores did not have a minimum age sign posted, and self-service sampling displays were available in about one-fifth of stores.

Conclusions: Using V-STARS to conduct retail assessments of vape shops is feasible and is important for assessing the changing retail environment of vape shops. Vape shops distinguish themselves from traditional tobacco product retailers and offer a variety of products to customize a consumer's experience. Regulations and effective enforcement ensuring accurate health messages is essential.

Keywords: e-cigarettes; point of sale; vape; vape shops.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement KM Ribisl has a royalty interest in a store audit and mapping system owned by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, however, these systems were not used in this study. Dr Ribisl serves as an expert consultant in litigation against cigarette manufacturers.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
New Hampshire Vape Store Identification and Eligibility
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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