How Is the Cigar Industry Being Impacted by COVID-19?
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic can be felt everywhere we turn, including the cigar business. Not unlike eating and drinking, smoking a premium cigar isn’t practical with a mask on. On top of that, a massive chunk of traditional brick and mortar cigar retailers have had to close for several weeks if not months in an effort to flatten the coronavirus curve. Not only are these stores the places where we go to get our cigars, but for many, they are also the places we go to smoke.
Demand for Cigars is Strong During COVID-19
Despite the challenging circumstances facing cigar lovers, the cigar business is alive and as strong as it’s ever been. It’s been difficult for manufacturers to keep up with demand, in part, because a number of cigar factories have experienced temporary closures due to the pandemic. Compounding things, a small contingent of cigar consumers have embraced a hoarding mentality when it comes to buying cigars. But can you blame them? No one wants to run out of cigars – especially now.
In times of uncertainty, people often cling to life’s simple pleasures like premium cigars, good wine, and even chocolate. We may not be taking fancy far away vacations at the moment, but smoking a cigar in the backyard offers an hour-long getaway that few diversions can compare to. And aficionados have maintained a strong sense of community with the advent of the virtual herf.
Buying Cigars Online Surges
As with so many other products now, cigar consumers have adapted their buying habits by directing the bulk of their purchases to online channels. Demand for premium cigars continues to soar with the massive shift to online retailers. While traditional brick and mortar shops remain a vital component of the cigar industry, we’re fortunate a vigorous online marketplace for cigars exists where production and consumption can thrive despite the restrictions to our current daily lives.
Holt’s Response to COVID-19
At Holt’s, we take the health and well-being of our staff and our customers seriously. We formulated a proactive COVID-19 response in our daily operations months ago. Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve undertaken several preventative measures in our retail, warehouse, and office facilities to ensure our employees and our customers are safe and healthy. We’re committed to following current CDC guidance regarding social distancing, wearing masks, frequent handwashing, daily temperature screenings, workplace sanitization, and more. While we can’t control the outcome, we believe in being prepared as best as possible and we’re confident we will weather the pandemic with the best intentions and a genuine concern for the many cigar-makers and consumers we interact with every day. Stay safe and smoke a cigar!
