What's your local shop like?

[LilBastage]

My local shop just closed its doors. Apparently the tobacco tax was too much for them with a smaller smoking population here (this area has turned into tobacco nazi heaven in the last 2 years). They just couldn't generate enough revenue to stay open with the taxes the way they are. It wasn't anything special, but the owner was a good guy and the selection wasn't bad even though they didn't really have any higher end stuff. There was always good conversation.

Now my choices are a pool table showroom that only carries the "higher end of cigars. You know, like Hoyo De Monterrey and CAO" (a direct quote from the owner). The other place is fairly new and caters more to the cigarette customers though the selection is OK. His prices were a touch high when he first opened, and I can only imagine what they'll be like now that there's no real competition.

I'm sooo jealous of you guys that have a nice place to go smoke. I'll be converting an area in my garage into my lounge in the future. There won't be much as far as socializing and all that, but it will be mine.

 

[OutlawD]

Marcsheldon got me thinking since he is opening a shop that this may be a good thread.

i was going to start a new topic and ask this qeustion, but ill just do it here since this seems like a good thread.

since i am starting a cigar shop, and will be building it from the ground up, i was wondering if anyone on here would be intrested in seeing the progression via pics on a day by day or week by week basis. you would get to see a cigar shop being built and i would get the advantage of having everyone's input on what they like/dislike.

i was thinking about this last night, im basically going to build this shop how "i" would want it to be. but it would be invaluable to have 30 or 40 other opinions from other cigar smokers from around the country and giving me their input on a day by day basis. from start to finish, the whole project will take about 4-6 weeks so it wouldnt be that long of series.


i would love to post pics of the floor plans, wood floor colors, fireplace mantles, humidor lockers, plasma tv, and everything else i cram in the shop and get you guys feedback. maybe post the 2 paint colors im deciding between and get your vote....stuff like that. this may be a waste of mine and your time, so if its not a good idea just tell me. otherwise if a few people like it, i might start a new thread and get it rolling.

I would love to see pictures of the process/progress

 

[Pyre]

I have three shops in town that I visit.

The oldest is in the historic downtown area. They are a big store, and the owners are almost always there. They have the biggest selection, but they are a little narrow-minded. When I first got into cigars I had a list of smokes I wanted to try. I asked the owner about the Padron Anni's. He doesn't carry Padrons at all, so he told me "Oh, those are just trying to be like the VSGs". At the time, I didn't know any better. Now, I can't really see any similarity at all between a Padron 64 and a VSG. He's had other golden nuggets about other cigar brands he doesn't carry...

The second shop I frequent is a little shop with a small selection, but the best prices available anywhere. He is also a fuente retailer, so I usually visit him for my fuente needs. Again, no padrons though.

The third shop I visit is a tinder box outlet. They have padrons, and a pretty decent selection. They are also the only place in town with a lounge. He isn't as cheap as #2, but I visit him the most often. Why? He (the owner) is very friendly, very knowledgable (sp?), and he has things the other stores in town don't. I kind of consider him the "hip" store, since he seems to have stuff like La Aurora 100 anos, La Flor Dominicans, CAO's, the stuff that has a current buzz. Oh, and he's the only guy in town that has padrons. Last I visited him I left him with a Tatuaje and some info about the company. I just asked him that if he liked it, he should think about carrying some of them. He seemed genuinely interested.

So.. (sorry for the long winded reply), I look for a store with the following characteristics:

1. A good selection, and stuff I'm looking for.
2. Knowledgable and friendly staff

Everything else is secondary to me.

 

[Gunpowder]

Might consider a francise so your cigars are cheaper. My local shop just opened and he is selling francises. Building a second one in the next city over. I heard he might build one in Arizona.

Since he is a contractor he built the floor plan and customized the air system to suit the needs of the store. Large Walkin humi, private adjacent lounge with taxidermy decore, TV, lockers, WI-FI, a mini kitchen and coolers. Show room, etc. Pop/food is free to members. We only are required to donate value of food/pop into cans designated for local nonprofits. The private room is + air pressure controlled ventilation and has leather lounge chairs, etc. You can visit, spend hours, etc and still leave not smelling like an ashtray!!!

They met their first quarter goals the first two weeks after opening so I am told.

My locale place is only 10 minutes away call the Cigar Room. Friday night's is my night out there. Not much in looks. The couch and chairs are old and the TV is small. The humidor currently isn't stock well. He is suppose to be redoing his other store right next to this one to be the new Cigar Room. Bigger and newer all around. That's why he is keeping the humidor stocked low doesn't want to chance having a lot of stock and no where to put it. According to his lease he can only use certain workers and he is on the waiting list. Prices are good for a B&M. Only a dollar or two over MSRP.

I like the place because of the people. The locale guys are fun to talk too and Jack the owner is a great guy. I enjoy my Friday nights out.


DG

 

[DarrenR]

:whistling: I am still having trouble seeing Master at a shop when he has one at his house? LOL 2 more days abd I will have a report on my quest.. I am getting exited now.

 

[Maggs44]

The place I go to once in a while is Little Havana. It has a nice walk in humidor stocked pretty well. It has a small bar with 5 or 6 stools. They have a nice seating area, almost like a living room with a leather couch, TV, a couple wing backed chairs. Most times it's not busy, so the owner or an emoployee will come over and just sit and chat, talk cigars, sports whatever. A nice place to smoke and relax.

Speaking of relaxing, my favorite part of Boston Legal is when Denny Crane and the other lawyer sit out on the balcony and smoke, drink and chat. What a nice way to end the day... now only if I made the kind of money they do