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

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.

E-Cigarette and Liquid Nicotine Exposures Among Young Children

“…3 E-cigarette sales at convenience stores and other outlets grew from 2011 to 2015. 27 Furthermore, from 2014 to 2015, there was a 303.7% increase in e-cigarette liquid sales specifically. 27 Although nicotine-free products are available, 99.0% of e-cigarette products sold in the United States in 2015 contained nicotine.…”

“…27 Furthermore, from 2014 to 2015, there was a 303.7% increase in e-cigarette liquid sales specifically. 27 Although nicotine-free products are available, 99.0% of e-cigarette products sold in the United States in 2015 contained nicotine. 28 As the use of e-cigarettes increased, so did the number of liquid nicotine exposures reported to US PCCs.…”

Patterns of concurrent cigarette, alcohol, and e‐cigarette use: Off‐setting or additive behaviors?

“…In accordance with this improved safety, the use of e‐cigarettes has been increasing. From 2014 to 2015, there was a 14% overall growth in e‐cigarettes based on sales data . This growth was particularly dramatic in youth and adolescents.…”

Use of Price Promotions Among U.S. Adults Who Use Electronic Vapor Products

“…This is consistent with patterns of cigarette sales 10–13 and with retail scanner data documenting prominent increases in e-cigarette sales in recent years in convenience stores. 16 By contrast, no variation in price-related promotion use was observed across other assessed groups, including cigarette smoking status.…”