ELFBAR is rolling out the free new signs in the UK and plans to roll them out across the country by 2025. However, the new tobacco bill could put the new signage scheme at risk of being illegal.
ELFBAR offers free signage to London stores
According to Better Retailing on February 6, vape brand ELFBAR is offering free storefront signs in several stores in London, England, and plans to roll them out across the country.
Dozens of shops in London have installed new signs since October, according to Better Retailing. ELFBAR noted that the signs are limited to the London area at this stage, but there are plans to roll them out to a wider market in 2025.
ELFBAR UK-wide rollout planned
The new sign is dominated by purple and features the logos of ELFBAR and LOST MARY. A London retailer said the store had been installing the sign for nearly a month after ELFBAR representatives visited twice to promote the product and offered to provide the new sign for free. It’s a good deal, as new signs can often cost more than £2,000 plus VAT.
As for how other stores can get free signs, an ELFBAR spokesperson said retailers can contact an ELFBAR or LOST MARY sales representative, or submit an inquiry through the contact page on the website. Conditions are limited to stores that sell ELFBAR and LOST MARY products.
Although the ban on disposable vapes, which will take effect on June 1, will make many of ELFBAR’s best-selling products illegal, its promotion continues.
A shop owner with a new sign said the ban did not affect them as the company introduced alternative products. However, the Tobacco and vape bill, which is pending in Congress, would restrict the marketing and display of all nicotine products, meaning new ELFBAR store signs could become illegal.
Action on Smoking for Health (ASH) expressed concern, calling them “irresponsible practices” because they not only face smokers but also potentially reach non-smoking adults, teenagers, and children. ASH also noted that shop owners could “suffer financial losses” if forced to remove signs, especially in light of a possible ban on marketing vape products.
