Why Brick and Mortars Matter

     Like most of you, I find a lot of great deals from the online cigar retailers, but I also spend  lot at my local tobacconist, "brick and mortar" as they are affectionately called in the industry.  You'll even find a lot of B&M's will allow you to bring your own cigars into their place of business to enjoy.  Most allow you to, because it's impossible to carry every brand that's available and they want you in their stores.  Although you should still purchase from them, because they do matter.

     First with all of the anti-smoking idiots trying to abolish where we smoke, these shops allow us a place to not only enjoy our stogies, but serve as a meeting place for us to sit and have conversations about everything under the sun.  I frequent a small Cuban family owned shop that has their own brand, and as I complete this blog, they're expanding the store and will soon offer other brands.  The owner simply says "we have to stick together".  These shops, normally have televisions, sponsor events and again just provide a place to hang out.  I spend countless hours in these places because I enjoy them.

     You'll find the most eclectic group of folks there with one thing in common, we all love cigars.  You'll also find in most cases a group of like thinking individuals, who, no matter what their religious, political, or social backgrounds etc., can talk and agree to disagree, without being violent or disagreeable.  I have often found myself in the middle of a heated political discussion and discovered the Tea Partier has a lot of the same ideas as the Independent, and some Republicans are really not that much different than Democrats and there's no media outlet present to twist the truth.  You'll also find a lot of good humored ribbing going on between the folks in these shops, which is hilarious in itself.  Where else will you find a Fortune 500 CEO, the Governator (yeah, he'd hang out here occasionally) and a sanitation worker sitting around shooting the bull and discussing ways to make our world a little better, and nobody was touting their status or position.  You won't find that dynamic in many places, after all ever hear of a cigarette lounge? 

     Recently as I enjoyed a fine cigar, I just looked around the room and it was a welcomed sight to see the cross sections of humanity enjoying themselves while watching the U.S. Women's Soccer Team play a match.  Some had no clue what they were watching, and others were die hard soccer fans.  It was cool to see the soccer fanatic explain to the soccer illiterate what was going on.  While some others were playing dominoes, and others just enjoying their time with friends.  One of the guys there says whenever he heads to the shop his wife remarks "I guess you're going to hang out with your cigar cult friends", and that brought a hearty laugh amongst the group.  So we're a cult now, huh? 

     There's also the young lobbyist who said "I'm going to have to rethink some of the things I've been told, because I'm finding out, not everything I've been told is true or makes sense for everybody".  How cool is that?  In most shops you'll find just about every race, ethnic background and every gender represented.  It especially warms my heart when a younger person (20ish) is in one of these shops, soaking up life lessons and learning the cigar game.  These young people are the future and we need as many free thinkers taking care of our world as possible.  One young man, who has been following my blog had so many questions for me, I was taken aback and flattered.  Somebody asking my opinion and gaining cigar knowledge from me. 

    Another reason B & M's matter is they are an economic source for the community.  As most of you know cigars aren't cheap, and that money is recycled in the community.  The owners normally provide soda, coffee, and sometimes libations, which are all purchased locally, meaning keeping another store open and people employed.  The stores also serve as a tremendous place to network for many different reasons.  One guy is an attorney, another a sales person, another a banker and many other occupations.  They all offer their assistance when they can and in some cases provide leads and opportunities for employment, access to education etc.

     I'm not saying don't support the online retailers, just don't forget about the B&M's.  They need us as much as we need them.  I've met some of my best friends in these shops, and with over 27 years of cigar enjoyment and living and traveling all over the world its nice to have another friend somewhere in this world.  One of my cigar friends in Virginia, emails, texts or calls quite frequently to talk about life and the latest thing we've smoked, and I met this gentleman while sitting in a brick and mortar (you can't get that from a online store).

     There are other reasons why these shops matter and I won't bore you with those reasons, I'm sure you get the point.  The next time, you're in a B&M, make sure you thank the owner and staff for the fine service they provide.  Pretty soon, it could possibly be the only place we'll be allowed to enjoy a totally legal product.  It sounds crazy, but it could happen and in some places already has happened.  Also make sure to join groups like Cigar Rights of America (CRA), or start your own group of cigar lobbyist in the shop.  We need every voice to be heard to protect this freedom we love.  Until next time, CLP (clip, light and puff)   (___@_________]]]]]~~~